When Senator Hoffmann switched parties in 1998, her purpose was to enable her to better represent her constituency. Six years later, not only her constituents but all New Yorkers are reaping the benefits from that decision.
The two major advantages to being in the majority party in Albany are increased ability to shepherd bills through the process and into law, and increased access to funding streams which can be allocated to local projects.
Although Senator Hoffmann has decried this system for decades, and she achieved significant reforms during that time, the unlevel playing field remains. By joining the majority, Senator Hoffmann ensured that her constituents no longer had to pay the price of this inequity.
Following is a summary of Senator Hoffmann's legislative history. It is a listing, by session years, of the number of bills which she introduced which subsequently became law.
1985 - 1989: none
1989 - 1990: 1 law, affecting a locality in her District
1991 - 1992 : 5 laws, all affecting localities in her District
1993 - 1994 : 2 laws, both affecting localities in her District
1995 - 1996 : 5 laws, all affecting localities in her District
1997 - 1998 : 1 law affecting a locality in her District
-------------------------------- Party Change ----------------------------------------
1999 - 2000: 14 laws, of which 2 affect only localities in her District
7 laws relate in some way to agriculture
1 was the "Abandoned Infant Protection Act"
2001 - 2002: 26 laws, of which 4 affect only localities in her District
19 laws relate in some way to agriculture
Broadens the definition of agricultural and horticultural activity to include raising, breeding and boarding of livestock, including commercial horse boarding
Enacts a pest control compact, to control destructive outbreaks
Establishes in law the NYS Veterinary Diagnostic laboratory
Establishes in law the NYS Cattle Health Assurance Program
Establishes a farm-to-school program to promote the purchase and use of NY farm products by educational institutions
1 law related to the spay/neuter of puppies and kittens
2003 - 2004: 15 laws (so far), of which 5 affect only localities in her District
One bill was vetoed
9 laws relate in some way to agriculture
Designates an annual 30-day period for enrolling in an ag district
Property with windmills may qualify for agricultural assessments
Reduces acreage required for qualification of agricultural land
Broadens scope of animal health assurance programs
The unequal pattern of distribution of funding has been thoroughly discussed elsewhere, and will not be repeated in depth here.
As a majority senator with considerable seniority, Senator Hoffmann has been able to offer a significantly greater amount of direct assistance to municipalities and not-for-profits in her District (and in some cases, beyond) to implement projects they could not otherwise afford. She has given a large number of grants to fire departments, rescue and ambulance corps., police departments, libraries and similar organizations. She has also given funding to schools, museums and historical societies, child care centers, senior centers, special needs agencies, cultural organizations and parks.
Senator Hoffmann has also created economic development incentive programs and specialized programs such as the Agritourism and Education Program, which has become so much in demand that her colleagues have joined with her in funding it, and now 22 contiguous counties are part of the program.
Until there is a universal reorganization of the member item system, which she would support, Senator Hoffmann will continue to fund these very worthwhile activities in her district.
The Syracuse Post-Standard of July 9, 1996 said, "The system will change only when there are enough lawmakers -- particularly lawmakers in the majority party in their chambers -- who are willing to take a risk. Who realize that position and projects might be worth sacrificing to the goal of responsive government. Who decide their party loyalty isn't as strong as their commitment to democracy."
Senator Hoffmann continues her fight for reform, but refuses to sacrifice her constituency to it. She eagerly waits for her colleagues to join in the crusade. | 