NEWS RELEASE: Pugh-Volpe Team Files Petitions W/ 1500+ Signatures for Cortlandt Town Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Brian Pugh, 914-374-3960 Domenic Volpe, 914-737-9184

July 9, 2013

NEWS RELEASE: Pugh-Volpe Team Files Petitions W/ 1500+ Signatures for Cortlandt Town Council

Brian Pugh and Domenic Volpe, Democrats running as a slate for the two seats on the Cortlandt Town Council, filed nominating petitions today for the Democratic primary with 1,568 petition signatures. This show of strength is further proof of the energy of the Pugh-Volpe ticket and the growing momentum Brian Pugh and Domenic Volpe have gained as they prepare for the September 10th Democratic Primary.

“I am truly grateful for the dozens of volunteers that carried petitions to help put Domenic and me on the ballot. I am thankful for the chance to talk to so many of my neighbors as petitioned across every part of the Town of Cortlandt. I look forward to earning your vote for Cortlandt Town Council and I hope to have the opportunity to represent the people of this community on the Council,” said Brian Pugh.

“After knocking on thousands of doors and having conversations with hundreds of my neighbors, I am more excited than ever about this campaign. I would like to thank all the rank-and-file Democrats that have signed our nominating petitions—you are the party, so please remember to vote on Tuesday, September 10th!” said Domenic Volpe.

“Brian Pugh and Domenic Volpe are true independent-minded progressives, who can be trusted to listen to the people and do what is right. I am proud to have carried petitions to put them on the ballot. I wish them good luck on this campaign and the on the council,” said Helen Murray, a volunteer from Croton-on-Hudson.

To appear on the ballot for the Democratic Primary for Cortlandt Town Council, candidates must file approximately 520 valid signatures from registered Democrats in the Town of Cortlandt. The number of signatures collected for the Pugh-Volpe ticket far exceeded the requirement under the law.

In addition to seeking the Democratic line for Town Council, Brian Pugh and Domenic Volpe have been endorsed by the Working Families Party and the Independence Party. They will also be filing their petitions for the Working Families and the Independence lines this week.

Brian Pugh is a native of Croton-on-Hudson and community activist. He is a student at Fordham University School of Law and works at a renewable energy company in Westchester County. Brian Pugh has also been endorsed by the Westchester-Putnam Central Labor Body, AFL-CIO. Domenic Volpe, a 26 year resident of Cortlandt Manor, owns Domenic’s Cleaners, hosts a community television show (Wednesday Nights at 9 PM on channel 15) and serves on the board of the Jan Peek Homeless Shelter. Brian Pugh and Domenic Volpe are both Democratic District Leaders.

Bazzo 07/10/13

From Ernst & Young:Tax Alert: Recent ruling on NY’s MTA payroll tax 07/10/’13

Tax Alert: Recent ruling on NY’s MTA payroll tax
On June 26, 2013, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department ruled that the state’s Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Mobility Tax (MTA payroll tax) is constitutional. Based on this ruling, it is possible that the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (NYSDTF) may ultimately deny protective refund claims previously filed by taxpayers, including asset managers, operating within the affected jurisdictions of the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD).

Background

Self-employed fund managers and their employees who work within the MCTD have been subject to the MTA payroll tax since 2009. The MCTD encompasses nearly all of Southeastern New York State, including New York City.

The constitutionality of the MTA payroll tax was challenged by multiple plaintiffs, asserting that its enactment violates the home rule provision of the New York Constitution and that it is unconstitutional. In response, New York State argued that the home rule doctrine does not apply because the MTA payroll tax is a general law and does not appropriate funds for local purposes.

On August 22, 2012, a New York Supreme Court judge upheld the assertion that New York State’s MTA payroll tax was unconstitutional. The decision was then sent for review by New York’s higher courts. Although the decision did not affect the state from continuing to collect the tax, New York State did subsequently issue guidance to taxpayers allowing them to file protective claims for tax year 2009.

Considerations

The MTA payroll tax has created an additional expense and administrative burden for many asset managers headquartered in New York or with operations within the MCTD. As a result of the aforementioned guidance issued by NYSDTF, many fund managers have taken the opportunity to file protective claims in anticipation of a favorable ruling by the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court.

At this time it is unclear what actions will be taken by the NYSDTF with regard to these protective claims, but it is our understanding that it will continue to keep its filing portal open. Taxpayers with open years under the current statue of limitations could still file protective refund claims if they have not done so already. The decision by the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department may still be appealed through the state’s highest court, the New York Court of Appeals.

EY will continue to monitor this situation.

Bazzo 07/10/13

Assemblywoman Galef Reminder: Changes to Basic STAR will affect current registrants next year

Contact: Sandy Galef (914) 941-1111

GALEF ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO STAR PROGRAM

Legislation requires re-registration of current Basic STAR recipients

(July 8, 2013) Assemblywoman Sandy Galef wants to make sure all homeowners who currently receive a Basic STAR exemption are aware they will have to re-register with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance in order to receive 2014 STAR exemptions. This change does not affect this year’s 2013 exemptions. According to the Department of Tax and Finance, in late September or early October the State will mail all Basic STAR recipients information about this new requirement including when and how to re-register. Re-registration is part of a new initiative to protect New Yorkers from the costs of fraudulent or inappropriate STAR exemption claims. Basic STAR exemptions applied to New Yorker’s school tax bills are available only for a taxpayer’s primary residence. The changes establish a number of provisions aimed at discouraging fraudulent exemptions, which will include repayment of the full amount of inappropriately claimed exemptions and other fines and penalties.

“In recent times there have been occurrences where homeowners have received exemptions on multiple properties,” stated Galef. “This practice is unlawful. The STAR Program has been in existence since 1998. By requiring intermittent renewals by homeowners, the state hopes to reduce fraud that may be occurring when homeowners illegally receive exemptions on multiple properties.”

The New York State Comptroller reported earlier this year that improper exemptions cost the state $13 million in the 2011-12 year and might exceed $73 million by 2015-16.

This new registration only applies to Basic STAR recipients. Seniors receiving Enhanced STAR are not affected by the new registration requirement. Seniors must, however, continue to apply annually for Enhanced STAR unless they participate in the Income Verification Program.

The details of the new STAR re-registration include the following:

Basic STAR Re-Registration Program

◦Owners of property that received the Basic STAR exemption for the 2012-2013 school year must re-register with the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Tax and Finance (the “Commissioner”) according to a process that will be determined by the Department.
◦The Commissioner will provide written notification of the registration requirement to owners at least 60 days before the registration deadline.
◦The Commissioner may reinstate a re-registration requirement in the future, but cannot require registered STAR recipients to re-register more than once in a three-year period if their primary address has not changed.
◦An administrative process is established for taxpayers who fail to submit their re-register paperwork by the established deadline, or who wish to appeal decisions of the Department.

For further information regarding the new registration program, recipients may call the STAR Registration Line at (518) 457-2036 or visit the STAR registration page online at http://www.tax.ny.gov.

bAZZO 07/10/13

SCHUMER, WHO PETITIONED USDA TO CREATE GREEK YOGURT PILOT PROGRAM, ANNOUNCES NEW YORK STATE SELECTED AS PARTICIPANT IN PILOT PROGRAM STARTING SEPT. 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Meredith Kelly
July 8, 2013 202.224.7433

SCHUMER, WHO PETITIONED USDA TO CREATE GREEK YOGURT PILOT PROGRAM, ANNOUNCES NEW YORK STATE SELECTED AS PARTICIPANT IN PILOT PROGRAM STARTING SEPT. 2013

Schumer Petitioned For Program In June 2012 & Has Since Fought to Include Greek Yogurt in School Lunches NY Will Be One of Four States to Test Greek Yogurt on Menu Starting Sept. 2013

Senator is a Long-Time Advocate of New York Greek Yogurt & Dairy Industries; School Lunch Program Will Provide High-Nutrition Protein Option for Kids And Increase Demand for Greek Yogurt

Schumer: NY Schools Will Soon Say They’ve ‘Got Greek Yogurt’

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that New York State will be a participant in the USDA Greek Yogurt Pilot Program that Schumer originally petitioned the USDA to create in June 2012. The USDA has released a solicitation today, July 8th, to purchase Greek yogurt for delivery to participating schools in the upcoming School Year. According to the USDA, schools in four states, New York, Tennessee, Idaho, and Arizona will be participating in the program. Schumer noted that New York’s selection as a participant state is an excellent match; New York is home to some of the largest Greek yogurt and dairy producers. The Pilot Program is designed to test the cost-effectiveness of USDA purchasing Greek yogurt on behalf of schools operating the National School Lunch Program, and if deemed successful, could go nationwide.

Because yogurt is a highly perishable product, USDA is limiting the pilot at this time to these four states, which represent different regions of the country with varying proximity to yogurt manufacturers and will help test distribution through different warehousing models. The solicitation seeks both 4oz single serving containers of flavored yogurt as well as unflavored yogurt in 32oz containers to provide schools with a variety of ways of serving this product. USDA will evaluate the cost-effectiveness of its initial procurement by December 2013 to determine next steps for the pilot.

“Starting this school year, students across the state will be balancing New York-made Greek yogurt on their lunch trays. I am thrilled that New York schools will have a chance to participate in the first-ever Greek yogurt pilot program in September. Schools in New York, and the other three states participating in the pilot, will soon see that Greek yogurt is an affordable and nutritious high-protein option for their menus,” said Schumer. “I am proud to see this pilot plan reach this final step, because it’s a boon for New York yogurt and dairy industries, and it’s beneficial for the health of our kids.”

Schumer has long-fought to make New York the Greek yogurt capital of the United States, pushing for federal investments in production facilities and federal assistance to dairy farmers to increase milk production to meet the increased demand from Greek yogurt. New York companies Chobani, Fage, Alpina and Muller Quaker have all worked with Senator Schumer on advancing the popularity and availability of Greek yogurt in New York and across the country.

In January of 2013, Schumer announced that he successfully petitioned the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to increase the availability of New York-made Greek yogurt in school meal programs in New York State and potentially across the country. In a letter to Senator Schumer, the USDA committed to initiating a pilot program that is expected to increase the availability of Greek yogurt in schools across the country. Specifically, thanks to Schumer’s efforts, the USDA initiated this process, which will first increase school’s access to Greek Yogurt on a pilot basis.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) then released a request for information (RFI) on January 31st to gather information from potential vendors. Respondents indicated capacity to produce such yogurt in a variety of pack sizes and flavors. Based on that data, FNS selected four states to participate in the pilot. States were permitted to order any quantity of high protein yogurt they desired for delivery from September to November 2013 within the balance of their USDA foods entitlement. The four states orders for this time period total 199,800 pounds of yogurt.

On Monday, July 8th, USDA issued a solicitation to vendors to supply the states’ orders. Bids are due on July 22 and FSA expects to evaluate the bids and make awards by the end of July. If it is found successful in the four states selected, this could become a permanent part of the foods that USDA offers to purchase for schools USDA Foods List for schools nationwide.

Schumer’s efforts to place Greek yogurt in more school cafeterias will provide a boon for the largely New York-based Greek yogurt industry, including companies like Chobani, Fage, Alpina, and the newly-opened Muller Quaker, and others throughout New York. In addition, because Greek yogurt requires more milk than regular yogurt, New York’s dairy farmers would also benefit from Senator Schumer’s plan.

Bazzo,07/08/13

Spitzer To Run For N.Y.C. Comptroller :Cox: Spitzer Proves Democrats’ Culture of Corruption is Alive and Well

July 8, 2013

Cox: Spitzer Proves Democrats’ Culture of Corruption is Alive and Well

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: David Laska

dlaska@nygop.org

518.462.2601

ALBANY, NY…NYGOP Chair Ed Cox released the following statement today:

“Eliot Spitzer’s entrance into the Comptroller’s race proves that the Democratic Culture of Corruption is alive and well.

“How can anyone take New York City Democrats seriously when their ballot this November may include all three of Eliot Spitzer, Anthony Weiner and Vito Lopez?

“Fortunately, New Yorkers have an alternative to this latest member of the Unholy Trinity of disgraced Democrats. John Burnett has the experience, skillset and integrity needed to be New York City’s next comptroller.”

Bazzo 07/08/13

Reminder: New York GOP Regional Political Education Workshops 7/ 13 & 20 /2013

June 25, 2013

Reminder: New York GOP Regional Political Education Workshops

We are pleased to announce additional dates for the New York Republican State Committee’s 2013 Regional Political Education Workshops. This training is open to committee members, party leaders, volunteers, candidates, and elected officials. You may attend any workshop across the state.

Saturday July 13, 2013

Finger Lakes Region Workshop

The Inn on the Lake

770 South Main St.

Canandaigua, NY 14424

Saturday July 20, 2013

Hudson Valley Region Workshop

Westchester Manor

140 Saw Mill River Road

Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706

These will be full day political education workshops, starting at 9AM and ending at 3PM.

There is no cost to attend and lunch will be provided by State Committee.

The workshops will focus on: Election District Organizations, Utilizing Online Resources and Voter Databases, Organizing Petition and Voter Registration Drives, Voter ID and Microtargeting, Fundraising, Communications, and GOTV/Election Day Operations.

We have invited special guest presenters from the national Republican stage to present on their areas of expertise.

For those wishing to attend, please RSVP to our Political Director, Joe Uddo (JUddo@NYGOP.org) with your name, email, phone number, and home address.

If you have any questions, you can reach Joe via email or phone: 518-708-4082

We are pleased to offer these workshops and hope that you will take full advantage of them.

Bazzo 07/8/13

Bruce The Blog: Nine Signs You’re on the Back 9

http://ncnlocal.com/index.php/blogs/bruce-the-blog/881-nine-signs-youre-on-the-back-9

Bazzo 07/06/13

Westchester Legislators: Board Meeting Preview and Media Schedule for Week of July 7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 5, 2013

Contact: Tom Staudter | ThomasS@westchesterlegislators.com | 914-995-2819 (office) | 914-419-5221 (cell)

Westchester Board of Legislators: Week of July 7

Board & Committee Meeting Preview and Media Schedule

A preview of what is happening at the Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL) next week:

Monday, July 8, 2013

3:00 PM

Environment & Energy—Hon. Michael Kaplowitz, Chair

Committee Coordinator: Sally Schecter (914-995-2832)

1) Dave Kvinge from the Planning Department to discuss Resolution regarding Westchester County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board request for the addition of new parcels to County Agricultural District No. 1 for Calendar year 2013

2) Department of Environmental Facilities staff and Department of Public Works staff to discuss Governor Cuomo’s program to fund large scale clean energy systems to protect them from power disruptions

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

7:20 AM

Board of Legislators Majority Leader Peter Harckham with WVOX Host T.J. McCormack

Weekly radio chat

Listen LIVE on WVOX radio 1460AM. Web streaming LIVE at http://www.wvox.com

Listeners have the opportunity to call in with questions at 914-636-0110 or by emailing westchesterbolradio@gmail.com

10:00 AM

Government Operations—Hon. Catherine Borgia, Chair

Committee Coordinator: Tara Bernard (914-995-6297)

1) Departments of Parks, Public Works & Transportation and Information Technology staff members to provide updates on approved capital projects

2) Department of Public Works & Transportation staff to provide an update on bridge and road repairs, and the Liberty Lines bus contract

3) Parks, Recreation and Conservation Commissioner Kathleen O’Connor to provide and discuss all of the revenue and attendance figures at Playland

4) Bond Act to finance Capital Project RB164 on Westchester Avenue, White Plains

5) Bond Act to finance Capital project RB163 on Harney Road, Eastchester

1:00 PM

Community Services—Hon. Alfreda Williams, Chair

Committee Coordinator: Sally Schecter (995-2832)

1) Act authorizing the County to execute and submit to the State a Resource Allocation Plan that will provide State reimbursement for certain youth services and programs

2) Discussion with the Westchester Children’s Association of the Dreams Deferred and Raise the Age campaigns.

Thursday July 11, 2013

7:35 AM

Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins with WVOX Host T.J. McCormack

Weekly radio chat

Listen LIVE on WVOX radio 1460AM. Web streaming LIVE at http://www.wvox.com

Listeners have the opportunity to call in with questions at 914-636-0110 or by emailing westchesterbolradio@gmail.com

Friday, July 12, 2013

8:00 AM

Capital Projects Sub-Committee—Hon. Lyndon Williams, Chair

Committee Coordinator: Sally Schecter (995-2832)

1) Department of Parks staff to discuss Bond Acts regarding the County Center, North and South County Trailways, Kensico Plaza Building, Sprain Lake Golf Course Fairways and Irrigation

2) Department of Information Technology staff to discuss Data Center Upgrade

Please note: Latest Board and committee meeting agendas (including “TBA” agendas) posted online at http://westchesterlegislators.com/component/jevents/month.calendar/

*** All meetings are WEB STREAMED LIVE on the Legislature’s website at http://www.westchesterlegislators.com. Just press the MEETING VIDEO-ON-DEMAND button and scroll down to the COMMITTEE section ***

Bazzo07/06;/13

Public Notices] Hello Yorktown Upcoming Events! 07/06 – 07/13

Hello Yorktown Upcoming Events!

Extreme Heat in the Forecast, Tips for Staying Cool

Extreme heat can be very dangerous for the elderly, the very young, those with certain health & heart related conditions, and those without access to air conditioning. Some easy things you can do to prevent the heat from getting to you are to:
• Find air conditioning. If you don’t have it at home, go to a public place like a mall during the hottest hours of the day.
• Avoid direct sunlight. Wear a hat with a large brim.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Drink water often. Don’t wait until you are thirsty.
• Avoid alcohol and drinks with high sugar content.

For more info visit: http://www.cdc.gov/extremeheat

Summer Concerts at the Gazebo featuring Java Jive

Date/Time: Sunday, July 7th from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Jack DeVito Veterans Memorial Park Gazebo, Veterans Road, Yorktown Heights
Details: The Yorktown Lion’s Club and the Yorktown Parks & Rec Dept will host the Audi Mohegan Lake 19th Annual Summer Concert Series at the John “Jack” DeVito Gazebo on Veterans Road. All concerts are free and open to the public. Join us Sunday evenings from 6:00 – 8:00 PM for great music this summer! Rain location is in the Yorktown Stage.
Full concert schedule: http://www.yorktownny.org/parksandrecreation/19th-annual-summer-concerts-gazebo

Free Outdoor Movie & Concert

Date/Time: Thursday, July 11th Kids Concert at 7:15 pm, Movie begins at dusk
Location: Jack DeVito Veterans Memorial Park, Veterans Road, Yorktown Heights
Details: Kids Concert featuring Beth & Scott and Friends. The movie Despicable Me begins at dusk. Bring chairs, blankets, and snacks!

Have a great week!
Bazzo 07/06/13

Headlines: Yorktown Daily Voice: Yorktown Community’s Mohegan Lake Day Set For July 14 2013

http://yorktown.dailyvoice.com/events/yorktown-communitys-mohegan-lake-day-set-july-14

Bazzo 07/05/13