WPCNR'S ADAM IN ALBANY. By Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley (89th District). September 24, 2007: Since January Governor Spitzer has signed into law a number of bills I authored, all of which are aimed at helping Westchester families.
Improving our economy and saving jobs
New York State has incredible economic potential as we continue to recover from the last economic downturn. But unfortunately the fact remains that many American jobs, including those in high-technology markets, continue to be outsourced. A new law I authored requires the Department of Labor to examine the impact of offshore outsourcing of information-technology jobs and the stability of New York’s job market if the trend continues (Ch. 435 of 2007).
Additional new laws will penalize individuals or companies who install security or fire alarms without a license (Ch. 437 of 2007) and target thieves who steal metal from businesses and homes to cash them in at metal scrap yards (Ch. 302 of 2007).
Protecting our environment
Beginning this year, communities in Westchester and Putnam counties can voluntarily establish community preservation funds with the goal of protecting the region’s natural resources (Ch. 596 of 2007). The Hudson Valley has a wealth of valuable resources in need of protection, including parks, forests, waterways, wetlands and historic places, and this new law will let individual communities take action by generating funding and choosing which resources they want to focus on.
Helping families through tough times
Two new laws will help ease the obstacles families face during divorce proceedings. One measure requires that parties in divorce cases be notified of a potential health insurance loss when they have been covered by their spouse’s plan and allows judges to grant a 30-day continuance so parties have a chance to obtain their own health insurance (Ch. 412 of 2007).
Another measure changes the state’s existing law regarding prenuptial agreements and the time period when parties involved in an agreement can raise issues or concerns about the document (Ch. 104 of 2007). The new law adds a three-year statute of limitations from the moment actions are taken to dissolve the marriage. This measure replaces the previous law, which in many cases only allowed parties to challenge the agreement within the first six years of marriage.
Finally, a new law geared toward protecting families allows more child witnesses in court proceedings to testify by two-way closed-circuit television instead of subjecting them to the emotional stress of being in a courtroom (Ch. 548 of 2007).
I worked hard in Albany to make these changes in our laws so that all New Yorkers can feel safer and more secure and have an improved quality of life. I promise that I will continue to fight for our families and help bring more positive changes to Westchester County.
