Majority Counsel/Program Services

Senator Joseph L. Bruno, Majority Leader

To: Senator Bruno

From: Ed Bartholomew Jr.
Date: May 23,2003
Subject: NYS Electrical Workers Appearance
Thursday May 29th Sign of the Tree
10:45am

HISTORY

Joe Maraia as president of the NYS Association of Electrical Workers has asked
you to speak on Thursday morning at the Sign of the Tree.

This Association represents several IBEW unions(40) and approximately 70, 000
workers from throughout the State. Workers are in construction, manufacturing etc

Maraia also serves as president of his local IBEW in Rockland County.

LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

BUDGET ITEMS

Prevailing Rate--The Senate Majority was successful in having the Governor drop
from his Budget a substantial change in the prevailing rate law for public projects .

SERB-- PERB Merger-The Senate and the Assembly rejected the Governor's
proposal to combine these boards .

GOVERNMENT
EXHIBIT

GS-4
FUN DfNG--The Senate and Assembly restored full funding for the 5 year highway
and bridge plan-- total of $1.75 Billion

The industrial Access Program at $ 9 Million was also restored

LEGISLATION:

Senate Majority wants to be helpful and supportive where we can.

>Apprenticeship training for the repair of slot machines at NYS casino's is

supported by the Senate Majority . Senator Maziarz is carrying the bill in the
Senate . It passed the Assembly this week. This will eliminate the need for the
Niagara Casino to rely on Canadian workers fixing the slot machines at the
Niagara Casino.

> Wicks--While the group recognizes that the threshold are too low, they are
reluctant to become engaged in the issue. Officially they are opposed to any
changes. The group however through its president has indicated that they want to
be included in any talks on this issue . They are NOT however enthusiastic about
any substantive changes in this area. Senate Majority is attempting to find
alternatives which will not be harmful to the Unions.