White Plains CitizeNetReporter - <i>Amy Paulin's Albany:</i> Staying Strong on Terrorism

Amy Paulin's Albany,Filed 1-26-02 6 PM EST: White Plains Assemblywoman Amy Paulin advises White Plains on the Albany response to terrorism.

WPCNR is pleased the Honorable Ms. Paulin has chosen WPCNR to bring us this column, and we hope it is the first of many. In the following she gives us a legislator's view about what Albany bills on Terrorism do. Their provisions are worth noting closely.

AMY PAULIN'S ALBANY
Report to White Plains and the 88th District from Your Assemblywoman

The atrocities of the September 11th attacks struck our neighbors and families hard – more than two dozen residents in our Assembly District were killed in the World Trade Center tragedy. They left behind family members who are still trying to pick up the pieces of their lives. My own niece was fortunate enough to escape, but I know the worry that comes with wondering if a loved one is safe.

Creating stronger penalties to ensure our safety

We learned a painful lesson from these attacks – we need stronger laws to deal with potential threats to our safety and security. To punish those who would jeopardize our safety and security, I supported the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001 (Chapter 300 of the Laws of 2001), which established severe penalties for committing terrorist acts, including:

• making it a crime punishable by up to seven years in prison for making a terrorist threat;

• creating penalties of up to 15 years for soliciting or providing support for terrorism; and

• making it a crime punishable by up to 25 years for hindering terrorist prosecutions – whether it’s harboring a terrorist, providing them with money or transportation, or concealing physical evidence.

I also supported laws that make falsely reporting a bomb threat and placing a false bomb a violent felony, punishable by up to seven years in prison (Chapter 301 of the Laws of 2001 and Chapter 302 of the Laws of 2001). While no piece of legislation can provide an absolute guarantee of our safety, I believe these tough new laws will go a long way towards safeguarding our families and neighborhoods.

Providing relief to September 11th victims

After the events of September 11th, my Assembly colleagues and I moved swiftly to see to it that those families traumatized by the attacks didn’t have to face financial ruin. I supported a $200 million legislative package that would provide tax relief to victims, rescue workers and property owners to help them get on with their lives. I realize that no amount of monetary compensation can replace a lost family member, but we must do all we can to help ease the burden.

This year the Legislature will consider additional measures to fight terrorism. I look forward to increased cooperation between the Assembly, the Senate, and the governor as we work to protect New Yorkers from terrorists – and make progress on other issues important to Westchester families.

Amy Paulin,

Assemblywoman, 88th Assembly District, White Plains and Scarsdale.

Note: Amy Paulin represents White Plains in the State Assembly. You may reach her by writing her at: ALBANY OFFICE:

Room 327 LOB, Albany, NY 12248 • (518) 455-5585

DISTRICT OFFICE:

700 White Plains Road, Suite 252, Scarsdale, NY 10583 • (914) 723-1115


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