ABATE of New York State, Inc., Southern Tier Chapter

Hi all. The legislative session for 2011 is basically over. The Confiscation Bill passed the Assembly (again) but never made it to the floor for a vote in the Senate (again). The Senate passed the insurance bill that would force insurance agents to inform motorcyclists that their policy does not have a no-fault clause. This bill didn't make it out of committee in the Assembly. Lastly, the Senate passed a bill that would create a new violation termed reckless aggravated driving. Basically it would penalize people who are swerving in and out of traffic. The penalty is a class A misdemeanor. It also included language that said if you are clocked going more than 30 mph over the posted speed limit, you fall under the new law. It never made it out of committee in the Assembly, so it's not the law yet. I expect to see it re-introduced next year and it may gain enough support to pass both houses.

Another disappointing session. This time it was the gay marriage debate that de-railed our legislation. They spent most of the last week of the session debating this in the Senate. What a waste of time. With all of the important business that NYS has to deal with, it's hard to believe that they could do such a thing. All through this time I was saying, "Just pass the bill and move on!" But of course, that's not what happened. They argued all the way to the end over a bill that should have been passed a long time ago. Maybe next year we can get something positive accomplished for the motorcycle riders of NY.

The summer party was held on July 9th. A great time was had by all and once again, it was the cooperation of the members that made for so much fun. The fireworks show was great as usual! Thanks to Hippie and Jim. Ten people stayed the night and we had the drum circle going full blast on the front porch the next day. Thanks to everyone who helped, brought food or added to the fun.

As an ending note, remember to watch out for the cagers, they're everywhere and they're not looking out for you. Also, if you're like me, you express your displeasure with people who cut you off, pull in front of you and do all of the other things that these idiots do to try and kill you. However, don't forget to thank anyone who yields the right of way to you with a wave and a smile. This works better for our image than your finger will.

Ride safe,
Steve

Monroe County Chapter Legislative Coordinator Reminds Us How to Support Our Causes

January - June 2012 has a lot of Motorcycle Issues in front of the Assembly that we all should be aware of so far. Currently on the Website (http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/), there are 33 Legislative Bills with the [key]word "motorcycle" in it.

On the Senate side, there are 30 Bills. (http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/search?term=motorcycle)

Please get familiar with the Bills.

Please familiarize yourself with who your Assemblyperson(s) / Senators are and their staff.

Please contact these Assembly members / Senators and let them know where ABATE stands on these issues.

Please follow up with the contact with a letter AND an email.

Please remain in contact with them and their staff at least every 3-4 weeks (I'm crazy and touch base 1x per week).

Please share with other ABATE Chapters your successes and failures.

Please email our State Legislative Coordinator, Prospector with your activities. (Legislatively)

A concerted effort this year will produce results. Results that you as motorcyclists deserve.

James Hendrix
585-709-3770 Cell
ABATE of NY, Inc.
Monroe County Chapter Legislative Coordinator

Action Alert

Bill introduced to prohibit funding discriminatory motorcycle-only checkpoints
Urge your Representative to support today!

To read more about this and take action (either electronic or printed copy) go to: http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Rights/IssuesLegislation.aspx. Currently it is their Featured Alert.

Summary of Visit with Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (February 2011 Chapter Meeting)

Donna Lupardo on floor. Bills she’s working on:

Helmet Bill—She is now a sponsor of the bill. She’s taking it over and reworking the language that explains the bill.

Confiscation Bill—She is going to make sure this bill will be passed. The State Senate is the biggest hurdle. Tom Libous is in charge of all bills that go to the State Senate. They will make sure there is a paper or site that explains this bill. If we can get both parties to come together, we can be unstoppable.

Motorcycle Insurance Notification Bill—No-fault insurance does not include motorcyclists. This bill would require insurers to notify clients of the specific limitations associated with motorcycle insurance policies.

Noise Ordinance Bill—Not going anywhere

She believes that Governor Cuomo is someone to work with.

Questions asked:

Mick asks about the Confiscation Bill by telling a story.

We need to come face to face with this bill and we need to address this.

Corky asks do emails people send make a difference.

The have a person that keeps count and sifts through them. They do look at the emails that have the same topic more often than some of the strays that come in.

Mick asks how do we approach Governor Cuomo with ideas and concerns especially motorcycle safety.

Money has been passed out to so many groups that there is no money to go towards motorcycle safety. It got swept under the rug. She is working on straightening this out. She will look at excessive spending and prioritize.

Steve asks how she feels about Barbara Fiala being Motor Vehicle Commissioner.

Barbara Fiala is based in Binghamton and Albany so she’ll still be accessible. Donna thinks it isn’t bad she’s the new commissioner. She just needs to be educated about motorcycles.

We need to meet with her or write her at home. She feels talking to her is the best way.

Kenney speaks and says he doesn’t know her well but he does know people who work with her.

Steve states that after last Fall’s elections he was feeling optimistic about progress. Will they work together?

We have a lot of wok to do. We are financially broke. We need to reorganize funds and distribute to the most important. It’s frustrating, but everybody is in agreement that something needs to be done.

Cuomo put a lot of safeguards out when he was State Attorney General. He prosecuted the crooks and they were replaced with new people.

Civic Duty

In case you didn't know, Fitzsy, Packrat, and I made a commercial for Tom Libous' re-election campaign.

Legislative Report

Monroe County Chapter Legislative Coordinator Reminds Us How to Support Our Causes

Action Alert

Summary of Visit with Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (February 2011 Chapter Meeting)

Civic Duty

Legislative Issues Documents

Legislative Friends of ABATE

At the State level check out the following links:

Other Legislative Action

Online Petitions: Contact your Senators and Representative today!

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