Asm. Matthew Slater

Argued the bill creates an unprecedented double standard by allowing full-time college students to serve as election inspectors in counties where they do not reside, breaking a longstanding principle that local elections are administered by community members. He contended the bill lacks meaningful safeguards, allowing even online students with no physical presence in the county to serve, and questioned why apprentices and other groups are excluded.

While acknowledging the timing issue is valid, Slater argued the bill creates unnecessary new requirements including a centralized statewide database and undefined security tools. He raised concerns about implementation costs, lack of uniformity across counties, and the risks of unclear election law requirements, citing recent public financing system issues.

While acknowledging the timing issue is valid, Slater argued the bill goes beyond fixing that problem by creating new technical requirements and a centralized statewide system. He raised concerns about undefined security tools, potential inconsistencies across counties, and risks to election administration from unclear requirements. He cited recent examples of Election Law ambiguity causing candidates to lose public financing due to unclear technical requirements.

While acknowledging the valid timing issue, Slater argued the bill goes beyond fixing that problem by creating new technical requirements and a centralized state system. He raised concerns about undefined security tools, potential inconsistencies across counties, and risks to election administration from unclear requirements. He cited recent examples of Election Law ambiguity causing millions in denied public financing.

Criticized the legislative process, noting the bill was introduced Sunday and voted Wednesday without adequate collaboration; argued the Legislature passed direction to an agency (OCM) that did not exist when the original MRTA was enacted, raising questions about legislative foresight.

Expressed grave concerns about enforcement clarity and potential conflicts with the 100-foot rule, particularly regarding campaign-branded items. Questioned whether repealing the law without new training directives for election inspectors and volunteers would create precarious situations and ambiguity in enforcement.

Expressed concern about MTA payroll tax rate reductions in Zone 2 while expecting increased revenue; questioned how revenue increases when rates decrease for most businesses.

Bill lacks clarity on ballot types and provides no explicit security guidelines; could confuse part-time Board of Elections workers; Legislature should address security more directly rather than delegating to State Board of Elections.

Raised concerns about lack of appeal process if commissioners deny a waiver, the one-year implementation timeline that excludes current election cycles, and whether the State Board regulatory framework would provide adequate guidance on implementation and potential leave-of-absence requirements.

Slater expressed concerns about protecting existing small business owners and liquor store employees, asking whether data existed showing the bill would not negatively impact existing retailers.

Expressed dismay over the rejection of $400 million for DOT Core Capital Improvement Projects, noting Region 8 (Hudson Valley) has the worst state road conditions in New York. Criticized CHIPS funding for not keeping pace with rising construction costs (asphalt increased from $78 to $130 per ton in five years). Questioned lack of parameters for the $40 million Resilient Ready program.

Expressed dismay over rejection of $400 million DOT Core Capital Improvement Projects, criticized CHIPS funding not keeping pace with asphalt cost increases (from $78 to $130 per ton over five years), and questioned lack of details on the $40 million Resilient Ready program.

Expressed grave concerns about Good Cause Eviction impact on local control and questioned whether $30,000 IAI reimbursement is sufficient. Cited Brookings Institute study warning rent control decreases long-run affordability and fuels gentrification.

Expressed dismay over rejection of $400 million for DOT Core Capital Plan; noted Hudson Valley has worst State road conditions; criticized CHIPS funding as not keeping pace with construction cost increases (asphalt costs rose from $78 to $130 per ton in five years); questioned lack of details on $40 million Resilient Ready program.