State Rep. Joseph DeStefano
Recent News About State Rep. Joseph DeStefano
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DeStefano Advocates for Increased Penalties for Sexual Offenses against Correction Officers
DeStefano, a vocal advocate for the protection of correctional officers, has joined the call to increase penalties for sexual offenses committed against these frontline workers. Expressing concern over the impact of certain legislative measures, DeStefano highlighted the challenges faced by correctional officers in the current system."Hearing the stories from women who have experienced worsening working conditions following the implementation of the HALT Solitary Confinement Act is yet another example of why pro-crime legislation is bad for New York. Our correctional...
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DeStefano Questions Budget Process Following Third Extension Passed Today
In a recent development regarding the state budget, concerns have been raised by DeStefano over the prolonged process. DeStefano expressed disappointment over the lack of progress, particularly noting the passing of a third extension. The Assembly Majority Conference's approach to closed-door negotiations and intransigence has also come under scrutiny.DeStefano highlighted the policy-related nature of issues such as bail reform and housing, questioning the need to delay finalizing the state budget for discussions that could potentially take place outside of the budget...
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DeStefano Criticizes Albany Majority for Budget Extension Delays
State Assemblyman DeStefano recently expressed his frustration with the ongoing delays in the state budget proceedings. According to DeStefano, the majority conferences in Albany continue to abuse budget extensions for their own political gains.In a statement released on Apr 10, 2023, DeStefano criticized the Albany Majority lawmakers, saying, "Today, another budget extension was passed to give Albany Majority lawmakers more time to settle their party infighting, which is still holding up the state budget proceedings."DeStefano highlighted the negative consequences of...
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DeStefano: State Budget is Unsurprisingly Delayed Again
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) expressed dissatisfaction with the state budget proceedings as legislators gathered in Albany to pass an emergency extender bill, pushing the budget deadline 10 days past the official April 1 deadline. DeStefano highlighted the concerning trend of budget extensions, stating, "This is the third year that an extension was necessary before the final state budget, a worrying trend that sends a poor message to our constituents about the ability New York’s leaders have to run the state."DeStefano further emphasized the importance of...
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DeStefano: Task Force on School Safety & Security Brings Actionable Solutions
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) attended a press conference on the Million Dollar Staircase in Albany today, joining his legislative colleagues for a presentation of the report by the Assembly Minority Task Force on School Safety & Security, which comes in response to increased acts of violence in schools and addresses safety measures more effectively for students and educators."Today, people simply don’t feel safe. Not in their schools, their offices, or even on the street. New York has seen an increase in crime with bail reform and Raise the Age laws, and it’s...
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DeStefano Challenges Governor's Gas Power Restrictions
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) has raised concerns over Governor Kathy Hochul's plan to eliminate gas-powered devices and vehicles from being sold in New York. In a recent letter to the governor, DeStefano expressed his reservations about the potential economic impact of such a policy change."Few people are in favor of the measures to remove natural gas power from homes, yet despite this pushback the governor has not relented," DeStefano stated. He further added, "I am incredibly concerned this push for environmental justice is coming at the detriment of the...