Chance of Marriage? Proposal in Assembly

The prospects of same-sex marriage in New York just got real this week, as Democratic Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell introduced Assembly bill 7600, which "relates to individuals ability to marry."
This is the same bill that he introduced last session and passed his chamber with 89 votes, before failing in the Senate by a vote of 38 to 24.
If adopted into law the proposal would amend the domestic relations law to allow same-sex couples the same opportunity to enter into civil marriages as opposite-sex couples. Additionally, it ensures that no member of the clergy can be compelled to perform any marriage ceremonies.
This measure comes on the heels of a report from the IDC, which laid out the economic case for same-sex marriage. Their summary was:

Recognizing marriage between same sex partners in New York State would create $310,567,652 in increased revenue and economic activity during the next three years, with potential savings of $80,848,457.

Onion for State Vegetable

The onion is poised to become the official state vegetable if a proposal (SB 4295) from Independent Democratic Senator David Carlucci becomes law.
His bill argues that onions are "one of the most important vegetable crops in New York." It goes on to elaborate about the principle type of onion, notes the preferred soil and mentions the high costs of producing onions compared to other vegetables.
This bill currently doesn't have a companion in the Assembly, but if it does, hopefully its bill memo won't be littered with as many spelling mistakes (keeps spelling "aye" instead of "are" and writes "muck" instead of "much"). It is enough to make a person cry, or maybe that's the state's new vegetable...
(Editor's Note: All spelling mistakes were noticed on Monday and hopefully have been fixed)

Flavored Malt Beverages Under Attack

The attack on alcoholic drinks young people like continues in the New York Senate, as a proposal (SB 4221) from Sen. Jeff Klein to limit the sale of flavored malt beverages to liquor stores was introduced on Wednesday. This change in venue is allegedly predicated on the fact that flavored malt beverages (FMBs) are “marketed” to and primarily used by people between the ages of 14 to 25.
The bill’s memo suggests that shifting FMBs out of grocery and convenience stores will limit the underage people that purchase them, on the basis that you can only enter a liquor store if you’re 21.
Klein also argues that this proposal could be a revenue raiser for the state, as FMBs currently qualify as beer and thus have a lower excise tax rate than the higher rate for liquor.
The bill would apply to any beverages with a combination of 6 percent alcohol by volume and one percent sugar that also include fruit flavor additives. It would be implemented 180 days after it shall become law so that convenience and grocery stores can liquidate their supplies.

Chance of Marriage? Carlucci Edition

The passing of Republican Senator Tom Morahan made his district at play for a Democrat, which made it possible that a yes vote for same-sex marriage could emerge. With the win by Democrat (excuse me, Independent Democrat) David Carlucci in Novemeber, Morahan's no vote switched to the affirmative, as his seat is now being filled by a social progressive.
Carlucci, who was endorsed by the Empire State Pride Agenda, is the third new yes vote for same-sex marriage, joining Avella and Kennedy. If the rest of the Senate remained static, this means same-sex marriage would now have 27 votes in its favor and be only 5 away from becoming law.
Unfortunately for proponents of this future, we've already covered two yes votes that have become no votes with the victories of Zeldin and Grisanti, with one more new no vote to cover.
But there remains a handful of no votes that have since announced that they're influx, so definitely stay tuned, as we wait for a same-sex marriage to be introduced in either chamber.

Senate Indys on Inspector General

The Senate Independent Democratic Conference held a press conference on Wednesday afternoon to announce a plan to streamline the state's Inspector General system of operation and save taxpayers millions of dollars.
Sen. David Valesky, D-Cuse, said their report addressed the possibility of saving money by eliminating redundancies in the Inspector's office without limiting their ability to perform their job. He estimated that their recommendations will save tens of millions of dollars.
Sen. Jeff Klein chimed in that one plan would be to remove the exemption that prevents the Inspector General from investigating agencies that already have an inspection unit. He added that another measure would be the creation of a dedicated MTA Oversight Unit within the State Inspector General’s Office. Klein noted that former Inspector General Fisch had previously stated that he would investigate the MTA if he had the statutory authority to do so.
Sen. David Carlucci said that the MTA is a multi-billion dollar agency, which means it is important to ensure its money is wisely spent.
Senator Diane Savino stated that their plan for consolidation could save a combined $37 million.
During questions, the conference ducked questions about the millionaire's tax, but Klein said he supports the tax and wants the funds used toward property tax relief. Savino also said she supported an extension of the tax. She stated that she supports extension of the tax and sees it as a matter of fairness.
Senator Valesky waffled on the question and waxed on about right sizing and tough decisions.

Indy Dems Show Savings

On Valentine's Day the Independent Democratic Conference unveiled there new press conference room and plans to alleviate the budgetary burdens on local districts during these tough economic times.
Regarding the former development, the senators promised that the very cramped room, which uncomfortably held a dozen people, would soon be displaying more photographs. They didn't announce any future plans to make the room larger enough to hold all four of the senators that make up the IDC, as they were only three strong on Monday, with Sen. Diane Savino healing from an emergency appendectomy.
Oh yeah, then they offered mandate reliefs and cost saving ideas. Two interesting perspectives were offered by Sen. Jeff Klein during a Q&A after their prepared remarks. Klein said that the 2% tax cap would bring people to the negotiation table to make concessions. The second statement was his prediction that he couldn't envision this legislature passing an amendment to the Triborough amendment.