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.
Showing posts with label Jeff Klein. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jeff Klein. Show all posts
Monday, March 28, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
No Four Loko in Nanny State
Last week Sen. Jeff Klein, of the IDC, introduced a bill (SB 3889) that would ban the sale of caffeinated or stimulant-enhanced alcoholic beverages. This anti-fun legislation is a companion to Assemblyman Felix Ortiz's bill (AB 5171).
Essentially, the proposal would ban any drink with at least 5% alcohol by volume and 6 mg per ounce of caffeine or any other stimulant. This type of drink is currently sold as "beer," which allows it to be sold in convenience stores and supermarkets.
Interestingly, and probably hypocritically, the bill doesn't limit these caffeinated drinks if they have more than 15% alcohol by volume. It's possible that this exception is so that bars can continue to sell vodka and red bull, an extremely popular drink.
Luckily for proponents of having a good time, Klein introduced this bill in the past and it never went anywhere. Additionally, Ortiz's bill has been languishing in the Assembly for a month, so that seems to say that the furor over these delightful drinks has died down and a ban won't be passed. Unfortunately, Four Loko removed itself from New York shelves, except in a new form without caffeine. Enterprising youngsters, though, can still find the classic formula at shady establishments.
Essentially, the proposal would ban any drink with at least 5% alcohol by volume and 6 mg per ounce of caffeine or any other stimulant. This type of drink is currently sold as "beer," which allows it to be sold in convenience stores and supermarkets.
Interestingly, and probably hypocritically, the bill doesn't limit these caffeinated drinks if they have more than 15% alcohol by volume. It's possible that this exception is so that bars can continue to sell vodka and red bull, an extremely popular drink.
Luckily for proponents of having a good time, Klein introduced this bill in the past and it never went anywhere. Additionally, Ortiz's bill has been languishing in the Assembly for a month, so that seems to say that the furor over these delightful drinks has died down and a ban won't be passed. Unfortunately, Four Loko removed itself from New York shelves, except in a new form without caffeine. Enterprising youngsters, though, can still find the classic formula at shady establishments.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Senate Shakeup
Following the escape of four Senators from the Democratic Conference, Senator Neil Breslin remains hopeful that they'll come back.
It was shortly after 10 a.m. that Senators Jeff Klein, Diane Savino, David Carlucci and David Valesky announced that they were leaving the Democratic Conference to form their own Independent Democratic Conference .
"I hope we convince them that they're part of a team," said Breslin. He argued that if the Democrats all stick together they'll be back in the majority.
Breslin, who is a moderate, said he wasn't approached by the four Senators about joining their Conference. He said he wasn't surprised either, because they know he is part of a team (The Democratic Dodgers?). As part of a team, Breslin said it is your duty to stick it out when you don't agree with the direction and try to change things internally.
Going forward, it will be interesting to see what role the new Conference has on the floor. Additionally, I'm wondering who the next floor leader will be for the Dems, as Klein is probably losing that post. It will probably be a lawyer, with one person close to the state Senate suggesting it could be freshman Senator Mike Gianaris.
It was shortly after 10 a.m. that Senators Jeff Klein, Diane Savino, David Carlucci and David Valesky announced that they were leaving the Democratic Conference to form their own Independent Democratic Conference .
"I hope we convince them that they're part of a team," said Breslin. He argued that if the Democrats all stick together they'll be back in the majority.
Breslin, who is a moderate, said he wasn't approached by the four Senators about joining their Conference. He said he wasn't surprised either, because they know he is part of a team (The Democratic Dodgers?). As part of a team, Breslin said it is your duty to stick it out when you don't agree with the direction and try to change things internally.
Going forward, it will be interesting to see what role the new Conference has on the floor. Additionally, I'm wondering who the next floor leader will be for the Dems, as Klein is probably losing that post. It will probably be a lawyer, with one person close to the state Senate suggesting it could be freshman Senator Mike Gianaris.
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