S1716

The New York State Senate passed S1716, sponsored by Sen. Skoufis, an act to amend the General Municipal Law, on a roll call vote of 51-9. The bill takes effect immediately. Nine senators voted in opposition: Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Martins, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Rolison and Ryan. No floor debate was recorded on the measure.

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday that prohibits elected officials from serving on Industrial Development Authority boards, which distribute property tax breaks and other incentives to corporations. The bill, S1716, sponsored by Sen. James Skoufis, passed 53-8 on a roll call vote. Skoufis argued the measure addresses an inherent conflict of interest, citing examples from Orange County where officials awarded tax breaks and later solicited corporate donations during campaigns. "When they do so, they pull out the old IDA Rolodex," Skoufis said, describing how officials call corporations they previously aided to request campaign contributions. Eight senators voted against the measure, including Sen. Andrew Martins, who argued that local elected officials like mayors and trustees possess valuable knowledge of community needs and that some municipalities are required by state law to have elected representatives on IDA boards. Martins contended the bill unfairly questions the judgment of local officials to manage potential conflicts of interest.