Pirozzolo Criticizes State Budget
A Statement From Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo
Editor’s note: Staten Islander News reported this morning on some of the items in the state’s budget that Asm. Fall highlighted as positive community wins. As with all budget negotiations, there will often be disagreements on what’s positive and negative, but combating organized retail crime is something both parties generally see as necessary.
From the section on retail theft initiatives: “The budget provides $40.2 million for dedicated Retail Theft Teams within State Police, District Attorneys’ offices, and local law enforcement, with 100 New York State Police personnel focusing on organized retail theft. It also includes a $5 million tax credit to support small businesses in investing in security measures like cameras”
Asm. Pirozzolo’s statement:
“This budget further empowers criminals and places the interests of illegal immigrants above those of our own citizens. At a time when our city and state is grappling with escalating crime, economic uncertainty, and record spending, a budget that fails to address the root causes of these problems is a complete disregard for our state’s needs. The disparity between the majority party’s priorities and the realities faced by everyday New Yorkers is abhorrent. We deserved a budget that authentically reflected the values, needs, and struggles Staten Islanders and New Yorkers face every day. They did not get that.” said Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo.”
Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo represents the 63rd Assembly District, which encompasses parts of the North Shore, including Emerson Hill, Sunnyside, Bloomfield, Travis, and Chelsea.
Banner Image: Asm. Pirozzolo in Albany. Image Credit – Asm. Pirozzolo
Assemlymember Sam Pirozzolo
Sam Pirozzolo is a native Staten Islander. He is a frequent contributor to the Staten Islander, and is well-known and loved by people on both the Right and Left, in his North Shore community. Sam brings people together, instead of dividing, by speaking common sense and analyzing our island's, and city's, issues, with intelligence and concern for all. Sam Pirozzolo was elected to the New York State Assembly on November 8, 2022. The 63rd Assembly District represents parts of Richmond County. Sam has successfully operated his family’s optical practice for 33 years. He is the past president of Community Education Council 31 where he served for seven years. Some of his most notable accomplishments include the creation of a Gifted and Talented program for middle school students, the recommendation for the NYC Department of Education to hire retired police officers as school resource officers, and the successful fight for the immediate cleanup of toxic PCBs leaking from the light fixtures in school classrooms. As an education advocate, Sam has participated in historic litigation that led to the return of more than $4 billion to New York public schools. He also fought to ensure that co-located charter schools receive the same capital funding as their host public schools. While serving in the Legislature, Sam will work to support law enforcement officers with proper funding, fix broken bail and parole policies, and help small businesses grow and thrive in a stronger, more resilient economy.