complete report to the people 2009

8/8/2019 COMPLETE Report to the People 2009

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Report to the People

2009

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Assemblyman Bob Reilly

109th

Assembly District


2/18

Dear Friend,

As I enter my sixth year as your representative in the State Assembly, thechallenges we face seem greater than ever; yet, I am optimistic. While we are allaware of the widespread lack of confidence in our State government, I am acutelyaware of my obligation to restore your trust in government primarily by providingyou a government founded on integrity and responsible action.

Our number one issue is the dire status of our States economy and the necessityto rein in spending while building our economy.

This report should help to inform you about what I have done during the pastyear and my plans as your representative in the coming year. Please contact me if Ican assist you in any way.

Sincerely,

Robert Reilly

Member of Assembly


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STAFF PROFILE

Tim Nichols, Chief of Staff452 LOB

Albany, NY [email protected]

Nancy DeRossiOffice Manager452 LOBAlbany, NY 12248518-455-5931

[email protected]

Frank SantoroOffice Director452 LOBAlbany, NY [email protected]

Lee KolesnikoffDistrict Office Manager3 Halfmoon Executive ParkClifton Park, NY [email protected]


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Map

109th

Assembly District

Clifton Park, Colonie, Halfmoon

109th

Assembly Towns

Clifton Park Originally part of the Saratoga county Town of Halfmoon, Clifton Park wasestablished as a separate entity in 1828. It is the largest township in Saratoga County with 50.2

square miles and approximately 34,000 residents.

Colonie In 1630 Dutch West India Company director Kellaen Van Rensselaer purchased thetract of land called Rensselaerwyck, the upstate parcel that included the Town of Colonie. Thetown covers 67.2 square miles and has approximately 87,000 inhabitants.

Halfmoon Once part of the Van Schaick Pattent, the Town of Halfmoon was purchased in1667. It remained a part of Albany County until formation of theCounty of Saratoga in the year1791. The town covers 33.7 square miles and has approximately 20,000 inhabitants.

109th

Assembly Villages

Village ofMenands The Village of Menands is located within the Town of Colonie. ChesterA. Arthur, 21

stPresident of the United States, is buried in Albany Rural Cemetery. The Village

has an area of 3.4 square miles and a population of approximately 4,000.

Village of Colonie Incorporated in 1921, the Village of Colonie is located with the Town ofColonie. Its total area is 3.3 square miles and its population is approximately 8,000.


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Pledges

Bob Reilly considers himself a citizen legislator and to that end both as a County

Legislator and now as a State Legislator he has made and fulfilled these pledges:

y To be independent of any political parties or organizations

y To visit each community in his district at least once a year(See Community Visits in this report)

y

To donate his legislative salary to charity(See Salary Fund Grants in this report)

How to apply for the Assemblyman Robert Reilly Salary Funds

Non-profit organizations which serve people in Clifton Park, Colonie andHalfmoon wishing to apply for grants up to $10,000 from the Salary Fund shouldcontact The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region (518-446-9638) for an application. Applications are also available online at the Community

Foundations website ([email protected]).

How the Salary Fund Works

Assemblyman Reilly gives his Assembly salary on a biweekly basis to theCommunity Foundation for the Capital Region which manages numerous suchfunds. The Foundation holds the funds during the year and administers theapplication process. A committee of three Assembly district residents reviews theapplications and, independent of Assemblyman Reilly, makes recommendations to

the Foundation for grants. While taxes on the salary ($79,500) are paid from thesalary itself, Assemblyman Reilly receives no tax benefit from his donation.


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2009 Community Visits

In addition to meeting constituents throughout the week in his office, Assemblyman Reilly

visits organizations and businesses throughout the year to better understand his communityand fulfill his pledge to visit each community once a year.

ORGANIZATION DATEClifton Park Fire Dept. 1/4/2009Honor a Vet James Forest 1/5/2009KidzLodge @ Saratoga YMCA 1/15/2009Unlimited Potential Vocational Rehab Center 1/15/2009Future City Competition Awards HVCC 1/17/2009Mechanicville CSD 1/29/2009Sand Creek Middle School 1/30/2009Saratoga Co. Sewer Commission 1/30/2009Honor a Vet CPL Leonard Cummings 2/2/2009Karagon School 5th grade class 2/6/2009Clifton Park Fire Dept. 2/8/2009Little Sisters of the Poor 2/22/2009Four Chaplain Brotherhood Award - VA hospital 2/22/2009Mapledale Farm tour 3/6/2009Tiashoke Farm tour 3/6/2009Plug Power tour 3/13/2009Nfrastructure tour 3/13/2009Forest Park Elementary School 2nd grade class 3/20/2009Eagle Scout Ceremony Brunswick Elks club 3/21/2009

Shenendehowa Methodists Church 3/21/2009German Club, Colonie 3/21/2009Latham Colonie KofC 3/22/2009Shaker Road Fire Dept. 3/29/2009West Albany Fire Dept. 3/29/2009Chinese Community Center 4/4/2009Fuller Road Fire Dept. 4/5/2009Colonie Elks 4/5/2009Boy Scout Troop 246 4/5/2009Honor a Vet Donald George, Albany 4/6/2009Giffy's BBQ tour 4/8/2009Shaker High School Participation in Government class 4/23/2009Menands Little League 4/25/2009West Albany Athletic Assn. 4/25/2009Parks and Trails tour 4/30/2009Girl Scout Gold Award ceremony 5/2/2009

American Legion Post, Albany 5/3/20Honor a Vet Samuel Yanni, Albany 5/4/2009UAlbany Dorm tour 5/7/2009Mariposa Studio ribbon cutting 5/7/2009Circus tour at Times Union Center 5/8/2009


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Colonie Elks 5/10/2009Latham Colonie KofC 5/10/2009Big Brothers Big Sisters 5/14/2009Clifton Park Sportsmen's Club tour 5/14/2009

American Cancer Society Karagon Elementary Arbor Day celebration 5/15/2009

Cobleskill College Farm tour 5/21/2009USPS Memorial Day service 5/22/2009Colonie Elks Memorial Day 5/25/2009Boght Fire Dept. Memorial Day 5/25/2009West Albany Italian Benevolent Society Memorial Day Service 5/25/2009Saratoga Co. Treatment Court 5/27/2009Capital District Psychiatric Center tour 5/28/2009Teenager of the Year, Colonie 5/28/2009Price Chopper Grand Opening 6/2/2009The Bentley's Apartment Complex 6/11/2009NY Army National Guard Freedom Salute Ceremony 6/14/2009Colonie Elks Flag Day Ceremony 6/14/2009Military Appreciation Picnic, Menands 6/14/2009Eagle Scout Ceremony, Latham 6/19/2009Colonie Elks Father's Day 6/21/2009Sundae on the Farm, Saratoga 6/21/2009Saratoga Economic Development tour 6/26/2009So. Saratoga Chamber of Commerce tour 6/26/2009Eagle Scout ceremony, Clifton Park 6/27/2009Honor a Vet Peter Letko, Albany 7/6/2009Shelters of Saratoga tour 7/7/2009Saratoga Bridges Training facilities 7/9/2009Branford Hall Career Institute tour 7/15/2009Saratoga Academy of Arts and Sciences tour 7/15/2009State Farm Insurance tour 7/15/2009

Shenendehowa Adult Community Center 7/15/2009Luther Forest groundbreaking ceremony 7/24/2009United Methodist Society tour 7/28/2009Honor a Vet Anthony Inco, Colonie 8/3/2009United Health Group tour 8/13/2009Shenendehowa Senior Center tour 8/19/2009Strong Kids Day celebration So. Saratoga YMCA 8/21/2009Upstate Priority Insurance 8/27/2009Honor a Vet Leigh Garhartt, Albany 9/8/2009Capital Bank 9/15/2009Local 83 Training Center tour 9/16/2009VA Hospital POW recognition day 9/18/2009Rexford Fire Dept. 9/18/2000Clifton Park Elks 9/20/2009Light the Night Walk for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 9/25/2009Clifton Park Elks 25th Anniversary celebration 9/26/2009Shaker Road - Loudonville Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary 9/26/2009Center for Autism Open House 9/29/2009Day Peckenpaugh welcome home celebration 9/30/2009Saratoga Co. Treatment Court Graduation 9/30/2009Tech Valley High School 10/1/2009


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Little Sisters of the Poor fall festival 10/2/2009Boght Fire Dept. 10/2/2009Halfmoon Recreation Dept. 10/3/2009Eagle Scout Ceremony, Latham 10/3/2009Clifton Park Fire Dept. 10/4/2009

American Italian Heritage Museum 10/4/20

Honor a Vet Ruben Gersowitz, Albany 10/5/2009Mother Teresa Academy tour 10/8/2009Eagle Scout ceremony, Latham 10/9/2009Menands Farmers Market meet & greet 10/10/2009West Albany Fire Dept. Old Timers Night 10/10/2009Fresh Market groundbreaking 10/13/2009German Club, Colonie 10/17/200942nd Combat Division Change of Command 11/7/2009Rexford Fire Dept. 11/8/2009Shenendehowa High School Veterans Day Ceremony 11/10/2009Colonie Youth Court 11/12/2009Latham Colonie KofC 11/15/2009Clifton Park Elks 11/22/2009Pacamor Kubar Bearings plant 12/2/2009Grooms Tavern, Clifton Park 12/4/2009St. Agnes Cemetery headstone blessing 12/5/2009Schuyler Inn Christmas event 12/5/2009Latham Fire Department 12/6/2009Latham Colonie KofC 12/6/2009Burnt Hills Oratorio 12/6/2009Colonie Elks Memorial Day service 12/6/2009Honor a Vet & Pearl Harbor Ceremony, Colonie 12/7/2009Shenendehowa Community Center 12/11/2009Memory Gardens Day of Remembrance 12/11/2009District Office Meet & Greet 12/12/2009

Clifton Park Annual Chanukah celebration 12/12/2009Nanoscale Ribbon Cutting and Tour 12/14/2009Colonie Town Band, Beltrone Center 12/14/2009Loudonville Christian School tour 12/15/2009MJ Engineering, Clifton Park 12/22/2009Eagle Scout ceremony, Clifton Park 12/27/2009Door to Door visits 5 days


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Salary Fund

Assemblyman Reilly donates his legislative salary to local charities

as part of his commitment to public service as a citizen legislator

2009 grants will be awarded in February 2010

2005 2006 2007 2008

Albany Institute of History and Art $6,000 Albany Rural Cemetery $5,000 Albany Symphony Orchestra $1,500 Alzheimer's Association of NENY $7,500 Arthritis Foundation - NENY Chapter $5,000Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region $5,000Business and Marketing Educator's Association $1,000Capital District Senior Softball, Inc. $1,000Capital Region Action Against Breast Cancer $5,000 $5,000Center for Arts in Education - Capital Region $5,000CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services $10,000 $5,000 $5,000CARES $8,000Catie Hoch Foundation $1,000Children's Museum of Science and Technology $4,000Cohoes Community Center $7,500 $5,000Colonie Senior Services Center $5,000 $5,000Domestic Violence Rape Crisis Services -

Saratoga $7,000Down Syndrome Resource Center $9,880Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company $5,000Executive Services Corp of the Tri-Cities(ESCOT) $2,800Fast Break Fund $1,400 $2,500First Avenue Peer Support Center $3,000Food Pantries for the Capital Region $3,000 $5,000Gilda's Club Capital Region NY $3,000Girls Incorporated for the Greater Capital Region $5,000Historic St. Agnes Cemetery $3,000Legal Aid Society of NENY $5,000Literacy Volunteers of America - Mohawk/Hudson $3,500 $3,500

Mechanicville Area Community Services Center $10,000 $5,000Parks and Trails New York $3,000Parsons Child and Family Center $440Peppertree Rescue $3,000Purrfect Companions $2,000Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY $5,000Samaritans Suicide Prevention Center $5,000Saratoga Bridges $5,000Saratoga Co. Association for Retired Citizens $5,000 $5,000Saratoga P.L.A.N. $5,000


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2005 2006 2007 2008Scotia-Glenville Children's Museum $7,000Shaker Heritage Society $3,900Shelters of Saratoga $4,000Shenendehowa Senior Citizens $4,000 $5,000

STRIDE!, Inc. $5,000 $4,000The Legal Project $5,000 $7,500 $4,000The Society of the Sisters of St. Joseph $5,000


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2009Member Items

Assemblyman Reilly has been able to obtain funding for many organizationswithin his district. Each item must be identified and passed in the state budget,approved by the State Comptroller and Attorney General and allocated via acontract with an appropriate agency.

Albany Co. Nursing Home $3,000

Altamont Program 5,000

Alzheimers Disease NENY 3,000

American Legion Post 1450 6,000

Capital Region Workforce 7,000

CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services 8,500

Clifton Park Halfmoon Library 5,000

Coalition Against Sexual Assault 5,000

Down Syndrome Aim High 5,000

Epilepsy Foundation 4,000

Friends of Clifton Park Open Space 5,000

Friends of Pruyn House 4,000

Friends of Shenendehowa Crew 4,000

German-American Club 4,000

Halfmoon Boat/New Netherlands 5,000

Hannahs Hope 6,000

In Our Own Voices 5,000


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Innovative Charities/Mental Health 7,500

Lady Bombers 2,000

Make-A-Wish 5,000

Menands School 15,000

Mohawk Hudson Humane Society 7,500

Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway 5,000

NYS Labor-Religion Coalition 5,000

Rugrunners Robotics 5,000

Saratoga Bridges 9,000

Shaker Heritage Society 5,000

Siena College 5,000

To Life 5,000

Twin Rivers Boy Scouts 5,000

USS Slater 2,500

Village of Menands 9,000

Wildwood Schools 5,000

William Sanford Library Colonie 3,000

TOTAL $185,000


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Capital Projects 2009

Capital projects are grants recommended by Assemblyman Reilly tohelp support building projects for non-profit institutions or

municipalities. In some cases, he joins with other members of theAssembly in recommending projects.

Menands Farmers Market Renovations and Enhancements $250,000

Town of Clifton Park Sewers for Olde Nott Farm 125,000

Robert Weininger VFW 8692 Colonie Veterans Memorial 125,000

Town of Colonie Municipal Training Facility 62,000

Halfmoon-Waterford FD SCBA/Life Packs Firefighters 125,000

College of St. Rose Athletic Fields 62,000


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Assemblyman Reilly is the prime sponsor of the legislation listed below. He

introduced this legislation and is responsible for shepherding its passage.

Description Action

A.809 1% Homestead cap -- Town of Colonie PASSED

A.1277 Requires background checks for firefighters/EMS in commit

A.1278 LoriAnn's Law - Sets forth police procedures for missing persons in committee

A.1279 Creates a Toll-Free Referral Line for Sex Abuse Victims in committee

A.1280 Expands Family Health Plus for self-employed New Yorkers in committee

A.1282 Requires Financial Education curriculum in high school in committee

A.1283 Creates a STAR Exemption for active duty military personnel in committee

A.1284 Requires background checks for state contractors in committe

A.1541 Requires retailers to hold in escrow amount in gift card sales in committee

A.1542 Provides for forfeiture of pension benefits of officials convicted of crimes using public office in committee

A.1543 Prohibits personal use of campaign contributions in committe

A.2428 Makes available Gold Star Wives License Plates in committe A.2448 Authorizes school districts to issue bonds for renewable energy projects in committee

A.2449 Increases penalty for identity theft of people over 65 years of age in committee

A.2450 Authorizes farmers the option to opt out of Animal ID Program in committee

A.2959 Allows the South Colonie School District to reissue contract PASSED

A.4449 Allows liquor stores to sell gift bags in commit

A.7117 Eliminates term limits for members of Fish & Management Boards PASSED

A.7118 Exempts active duty military personnel from taking hunting license exams in committee

A.7162 Extends timeframe to file state income taxes upon death of a spouse PASSED

A.7657 Prohibits landlords from including cable/internet service in base rent in committee

A.7944 Increases penalty for knowingly operating overweight trucking vehicles in committee

A.7799 Authorizes cars with commercial insignia to operate on Taconic Parkway in committee

A.8433 Prohibits labeling as dairy the use of milk protein concentrate (MPC) in committee A.8473 Requires prior consent/teacher videotaping in comm

A.9245 Requires municipalities to reassess every 5-years in committe

A.9246 Authorizes municipalities to eliminate Saturday hours for assessors in committee


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Examples ofSignificant Legislation Signed Into Law In 2009

Public Authority Reform Establishes a number of reforms to the governance and operations ofpublic authorities, including creating an Authority Budget Office and prohibiting the creation of

subsidiary authorities without legislative approval (with certain exceptions). The measure alsowould make changes to the authority board's governing process and enable the comptroller toapprove authority contracts. The legislation also would strengthen the rules on the disposition ofpublic authority property, subject the state public authorities to MWBE requirements underArticle 15-A of the Executive Law, and create whistleblower protections. (A.2209-C / S.1537-C;Chapter 505)

Rockefeller Drug Law Reform Reforms the state's drug laws by eliminating most mandatoryminimum state prison sentences and restores judicial discretion and permits judges to sentencenon-violent drug offenders to probation, local jail or a combination of both. The bill alsoenhances options for substance abuse and drug treatment and rehabilitation. It also wouldaugment reentry initiatives designed to facilitate the reintegration of offenders into societythereby breaking the revolving door of drug abuse and prison. In addition, the measure wouldallow certain non-violent drug offenders to be eligible for treatment and judges will have moresentencing discretion. Under the measure, long prison sentences continue to be available,particularly for drug peddlers, those who sell on school grounds or to minors and for "kingpin"drug dealers. (A.156-B / S.56-B; Chapter 56)

Education Funding Included in 2009-2010 State Budget Continues the Assembly'scommitment to provide a solid education for New York State's children despite tough economictimes. The budget stabilized aid to schools by restoring $1.1 billion to school districts andprovides $376 million for universal pre-kindergarten. It lifted the governor's freeze onreimbursable expense-based aid including transportation, building aid and BOCES - ensuring

schools have access to the funds they need. Under the bill, schools benefit by an estimatedincrease of $403 million in state funds for the 2008-09 school year. Foundation aid for the 2009-2010 school year will remain at current levels. The Assembly continues its commitment tofoundation aid by phasing in full funding over three years, a year earlier than the executive'sproposal, starting in 2011-12. (A.153-C / S.53-C; Chapter 53)

Power for Jobs Extends New York's Power For Jobs Energy incentive program through May15, 2010. The program has provided hundreds of millions of dollars worth of discountedelectricity or energy rebates to businesses and non-profit organizations that pledge to produceand sustain jobs within New York. The measure also would require PASNY to conduct energyaudits based on a representative sample of the power incentives that are available to its

customers. (A.9039-A; Passed Assembly / S.6031; Chapter 217)

Tier V Pension Reform Enacts a new and cost efficient tier of pension benefits for publicemployees. Creates a new Tier V classification for incoming members of the New York Stateand Local Retirement/Police and Fire Retirement System (excluding New York City police andfire retirement system members); New York State and Local Retirement System/EmployeesRetirement System; the New York State Teachers' Retirement System; and the New York City


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Teachers' Retirement System and New York Board of Education Retirement System. (A.40026/S.66026; Signed by Governor)

Ethics and Lobbying Reform Strengthens oversight and enforcement of New York's ethics andlobbying laws and provides the public with improved accountability and transparency byrequiring greater financial disclosure by public officials and lobbyists.

This bill would establish the Commission on Lobbying Ethics and Compliance, thereby restoringan independent commission on lobbying. The measure also creates the Joint LegislativeCommission on Ethics and Standards and an independent Legislative Office of EthicsInvestigations. It also establishes an Executive Ethics Compliance Commission to replace thecurrent Commission on Public Integrity.

The legislation also would require increased financial disclosure for all public officials by endingthe practice of redacting categories of value on legislative ethics disclosure forms; adding anadditional category of value to better identify higher-level financial interests; and requiring better

descriptions of outside employment, including consultant businesses and business associationsand appearances before state agencies.

In addition, the legislation also would increase disclosure by requiring lobbyists and clients oflobbyists to disclose business relationships they have with state public officials. (A.9032; PassedAssembly / S.6064; Rules)

TAP Program Restored Helps middle class New Yorkers by restoring in SYF 2009-2010budget $49.9 million in proposed cuts to the Tuition Assistance Program. It also provides $3.9billion in funding for the SUNY and CUNY systems to ensure that middle class New Yorkershave access to a quality public education during the economic recession. (A.153-C / S.53-C;

Chapter 53)

Permanent Timothy's Law Makes mental health parity law, referred to as Timothy's Law,permanent, repealing the law's sunset provision that was established in 2007. (A.8611; PassedAssembly / S.5672; Chapter 181)

Health Insurance Coverage Up to Age 29 Extends opportunities for dependent children up toage 29 to access health insurance coverage through their parent's employer sponsored plan. (A.9038 /S.630; Chapter 240)

Government Consolidation Enacts the New York Government Reorganization and Citizen

Empowerment Act. The measure outlines the processes for local government consolidation ordissolution for certain local government entities. (A.8501 / S.5661; Chapter 74)


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Platform for 2010

y Pass an on time State budget that reduces spending to conservativelyestimated revenues, protects our most needy and vulnerable residents,

distributes funding reductions fairly and mitigates the harm to the coremission of valued programs.

y Pass a budget that begins a long term structural change in State funding andspending.

y Pass ethics reform based on Assembly bill A.9032.

y Pass circuit breaker legislation which begins to shift education funding fromproperty to income taxes. Assembly bill A.7612

y Establish an independent body to redistrict political boundaries. Assemblybill A.5279.

y Create a policy that identifies agriculture as a significant component of NewYorks economy and support it accordingly.

y Pass legislation that comprehensively addresses campaign financingincluding the personal use of campaign funds. Assembly bill A.1543;

Assembly bill A.8092.

y Based on the Federal restructuring of health care, provide adequate healthcare to all New York residents with a financially sound structure.

y Provide mandate relief to municipal and educational organizations as well asbusinesses.

y Establish better representation of small business throughout State

government.

y Pass legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Reilly.


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Tidbits for 2009

Assemblyman Reilly continues to raise Kerry cattle, a rare heritage breed. Hekeeps a Kerry steer at the Shaker Historical site in the summer. Unfortunately, no

heifer calves this year.

Ultimate fighting remains banned in New York State in large part due to theefforts of Assemblyman Reilly. His efforts to keep this sport out of New YorkState will continue in 2010.

Assemblyman Reilly appeared on local television, ESPN and BBC as well as inthe New York Times, USA Today and numerous other media outlets as the majorvoice in opposition to the legalization of ultimate fighting in New York State.

The Assembly website has been updated and videos of individual memberscommenting on issues can be accessed.

You can see Assemblyman Reilly on the 15 minute television program

Assembly Update. The program airs daily on Channel 17 in Colonie at varioustimes (check the Colonie Library website for times) and in Clifton Park andHalfmoon at 5:30 pm on Wednesday.

Assemblyman Reilly tours various non-profit organizations and private

businesses on a regular basis. If you would like to have him tour your facilitycontact his office (455-5931) and schedule a tour.

Every year about 200 college students work in the Assembly during the springsemester. Last year Neal Brandt from Binghamton University was assigned toAssemblyman Reillys office and this year James Levy from UAlbany is in hisoffice.

Assemblyman Reilly is on Facebook so feel free to become a friend.

A 2009 survey mailed to constituents resulted in 1,200 returns which were allread by the Assemblyman.

Did you feed the fish is an almost daily question in the Assemblymans officewhere he harbors a small aquarium of guppies.

complete report to the people 2009

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