It was a busy first session for first-term New York state Senator James Skoufis, who represents the 39th district long held by Republican Bill Larkin. Skoufis, who formerly served in the Assembly, is chair of the Senate’s Investigations Committee and, true to his pledge, was proactive in this role. He recently spoke with WAMC’s Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne about that and more.
Skoufis addresses the session that ended in June, and what he wants to pursue next session.
The Green Light bill that Governor Andrew Cuomo signed allows the state to issue driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status. Seven Senate Democrats voted against the bill; six from Long Island and one from the Hudson Valley — James Skoufis.
Skoufis chairs the Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee. With three announced investigations and more in the works, Skoufis says he has reawakened the committee.
The session also saw legislation approved allowing for the transfer of a license from the now closed Monticello operation in Sullivan County to a new video lottery terminal site in Orange County. Empire Resorts, the parent company of Resorts World Catskills, shut down its gaming operation at Monticello Raceway in April, though harness racing continues. Skoufis says Empire Resorts will have to remediate the contaminated site where it will operate — the Nepera Chemical Plant property in Woodbury.
Skoufis’ 39th Senate District includes parts of Orange, Rockland and Ulster Counties.
