LUPINACCI’S END OF SESSION PRIORITIES: ADDRESSING HEROIN USE, HIGHER EDUCATION AFFORDABILITY AND ETHICS REFORM

On Wednesday, May 25, 2016 Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci (R,C,I-South Huntington) spoke about his priorities for the conclusion of the 2016 Legislative Session. Lupinacci discussed ethics reform, higher education aid and the concerning heroin epidemic that is swiftly spreading throughout the State of New York. The full transcript is below:

 “In the final days of session we need to make sure that we continue to push for ethics reforms. First, we need to make sure that people who have been convicted of a crime as an elected official do not receive their publicly funded pension.”

“Second, we need to make sure that we continue to push for term limits for all leadership positions in the New York State Assembly.”

“And third, we need to make sure we keep big money out of politics.”

“Also, in the final weeks of session we need to continue to advocate for and make sure that higher education is available for all students who want to attend institutions across the state. Our colleges are economic engines and we need to ensure that we increase TAP awards to cover the tuition at SUNY and CUNY Colleges.”

“The New York State Assembly needs to follow the New York State Senate’s lead in passing comprehensive legislation which combats the heroin epidemic. This not only affects Long Islanders, but the residents across all of New York State. We need to make sure there is money for proper education, so people do not get hooked on these drugs in the first place, but also that there are areas that they can go for treatment and of course follow up with aftercare.”

“These issues are vitally important for all New Yorkers, and we need to make sure that we pass these before we leave [Legislative] Session at the end of June.”