Report to the People

2009

Assemblyman Bob Reilly

109th Assembly District
Dear Friend,

As I enter my sixth year as your representative in the State Assembly, the

challenges we face seem greater than ever; yet, I am optimistic. While we are all
aware of the widespread lack of confidence in our State government, I am acutely
aware of my obligation to restore your trust in government primarily by providing
you a government founded on integrity and responsible action.

Our number one issue is the dire status of our State’s economy and the necessity
to rein in spending while building our economy.

This report should help to inform you about what I have done during the past
year and my plans as your representative in the coming year. Please contact me if I
can assist you in any way.

Sincerely,

Robert Reilly
Member of Assembly
 STAFF PROFILE

Tim Nichols, Chief of Staff

452 LOB
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5931
nicholt@assembly.state.ny.us

Nancy DeRossi
Office Manager
452 LOB
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5931
derossn@assembly.state.ny.us

Frank Santoro
Office Director
452 LOB
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5931
santorf@assembly.state.ny.us

Lee Kolesnikoff
District Office Manager
3 Halfmoon Executive Park
Clifton Park, NY 12065
518-371-0568
kolesnl@assembly.state.ny.us
 Map
th
109 Assembly District
Clifton Park, Colonie, Halfmoon

109th Assembly Towns

Clifton Park – Originally part of the Saratoga county Town of Halfmoon, Clifton Park was
established as a separate entity in 1828. It is the largest township in Saratoga County with 50.2
square miles and approximately 34,000 residents.

Colonie – In 1630 Dutch West India Company director Kellaen Van Rensselaer purchased the
tract of land called Rensselaerwyck, the upstate parcel that included the Town of Colonie. The
town covers 67.2 square miles and has approximately 87,000 inhabitants.

Halfmoon – Once part of the Van Schaick Pattent, the Town of Halfmoon was purchased in
1667. It remained a part of Albany County until formation of the County of Saratoga in the year
1791. The town covers 33.7 square miles and has approximately 20,000 inhabitants.

109th Assembly Villages

Village of Menands – The Village of Menands is located within the Town of Colonie. Chester
A. Arthur, 21st President of the United States, is buried in Albany Rural Cemetery. The Village
has an area of 3.4 square miles and a population of approximately 4,000.

Village of Colonie – Incorporated in 1921, the Village of Colonie is located with the Town of
Colonie. Its total area is 3.3 square miles and its population is approximately 8,000.
 Pledges
Bob Reilly considers himself a citizen legislator and to that end both as a County
Legislator and now as a State Legislator he has made and fulfilled these pledges:

 To be independent of any political parties or organizations

 To visit each community in his district at least once a year

(See Community Visits in this report)

 To donate his legislative salary to charity

(See Salary Fund Grants in this report)

How to apply for the Assemblyman Robert Reilly Salary Funds

Non-profit organizations which serve people in Clifton Park, Colonie and
Halfmoon wishing to apply for grants up to $10,000 from the Salary Fund should
contact The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region (518-446-
9638) for an application. Applications are also available online at the Community
Foundation’s website (info@cfgcr.org).

How the Salary Fund Works

Assemblyman Reilly gives his Assembly salary on a biweekly basis to the
Community Foundation for the Capital Region which manages numerous such
funds. The Foundation holds the funds during the year and administers the
application process. A committee of three Assembly district residents reviews the
applications and, independent of Assemblyman Reilly, makes recommendations to
the Foundation for grants. While taxes on the salary ($79,500) are paid from the
salary itself, Assemblyman Reilly receives no tax benefit from his donation.
2009 Community Visits
In addition to meeting constituents throughout the week in his office, Assemblyman Reilly
visits organizations and businesses throughout the year to better understand his community
and fulfill his pledge to visit each community once a year.

ORGANIZATION DATE
Clifton Park Fire Dept. 1/4/2009
Honor a Vet James Forest 1/5/2009
KidzLodge @ Saratoga YMCA 1/15/2009
Unlimited Potential Vocational Rehab Center 1/15/2009
Future City Competition Awards HVCC 1/17/2009
Mechanicville CSD 1/29/2009
Sand Creek Middle School 1/30/2009
Saratoga Co. Sewer Commission 1/30/2009
Honor a Vet CPL Leonard Cummings 2/2/2009
Karagon School 5th grade class 2/6/2009
Clifton Park Fire Dept. 2/8/2009
Little Sisters of the Poor 2/22/2009
Four Chaplain Brotherhood Award - VA hospital 2/22/2009
Mapledale Farm tour 3/6/2009
Tiashoke Farm tour 3/6/2009
Plug Power tour 3/13/2009
Nfrastructure tour 3/13/2009
Forest Park Elementary School 2nd grade class 3/20/2009
Eagle Scout Ceremony Brunswick Elks club 3/21/2009
Shenendehowa Methodists Church 3/21/2009
German Club, Colonie 3/21/2009
Latham Colonie KofC 3/22/2009
Shaker Road Fire Dept. 3/29/2009
West Albany Fire Dept. 3/29/2009
Chinese Community Center 4/4/2009
Fuller Road Fire Dept. 4/5/2009
Colonie Elks 4/5/2009
Boy Scout Troop 246 4/5/2009
Honor a Vet Donald George, Albany 4/6/2009
Giffy's BBQ tour 4/8/2009
Shaker High School Participation in Government class 4/23/2009
Menands Little League 4/25/2009
West Albany Athletic Assn. 4/25/2009
Parks and Trails tour 4/30/2009
Girl Scout Gold Award ceremony 5/2/2009
American Legion Post, Albany 5/3/2009
Honor a Vet Samuel Yanni, Albany 5/4/2009
UAlbany Dorm tour 5/7/2009
Mariposa Studio ribbon cutting 5/7/2009
Circus tour at Times Union Center 5/8/2009
Colonie Elks 5/10/2009
Latham Colonie KofC 5/10/2009
Big Brothers Big Sisters 5/14/2009
Clifton Park Sportsmen's Club tour 5/14/2009
American Cancer Society 5/15/2009
Karagon Elementary Arbor Day celebration 5/15/2009
Cobleskill College Farm tour 5/21/2009
USPS Memorial Day service 5/22/2009
Colonie Elks Memorial Day 5/25/2009
Boght Fire Dept. Memorial Day 5/25/2009
West Albany Italian Benevolent Society Memorial Day Service 5/25/2009
Saratoga Co. Treatment Court 5/27/2009
Capital District Psychiatric Center tour 5/28/2009
Teenager of the Year, Colonie 5/28/2009
Price Chopper Grand Opening 6/2/2009
The Bentley's Apartment Complex 6/11/2009
NY Army National Guard Freedom Salute Ceremony 6/14/2009
Colonie Elks Flag Day Ceremony 6/14/2009
Military Appreciation Picnic, Menands 6/14/2009
Eagle Scout Ceremony, Latham 6/19/2009
Colonie Elks Father's Day 6/21/2009
Sundae on the Farm, Saratoga 6/21/2009
Saratoga Economic Development tour 6/26/2009
So. Saratoga Chamber of Commerce tour 6/26/2009
Eagle Scout ceremony, Clifton Park 6/27/2009
Honor a Vet Peter Letko, Albany 7/6/2009
Shelters of Saratoga tour 7/7/2009
Saratoga Bridges Training facilities 7/9/2009
Branford Hall Career Institute tour 7/15/2009
Saratoga Academy of Arts and Sciences tour 7/15/2009
State Farm Insurance tour 7/15/2009
Shenendehowa Adult Community Center 7/15/2009
Luther Forest groundbreaking ceremony 7/24/2009
United Methodist Society tour 7/28/2009
Honor a Vet Anthony Inco, Colonie 8/3/2009
United Health Group tour 8/13/2009
Shenendehowa Senior Center tour 8/19/2009
Strong Kids Day celebration So. Saratoga YMCA 8/21/2009
Upstate Priority Insurance 8/27/2009
Honor a Vet Leigh Garhartt, Albany 9/8/2009
Capital Bank 9/15/2009
Local 83 Training Center tour 9/16/2009
VA Hospital POW recognition day 9/18/2009
Rexford Fire Dept. 9/18/2000
Clifton Park Elks 9/20/2009
Light the Night Walk for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 9/25/2009
Clifton Park Elks 25th Anniversary celebration 9/26/2009
Shaker Road - Loudonville Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary 9/26/2009
Center for Autism Open House 9/29/2009
Day Peckenpaugh welcome home celebration 9/30/2009
Saratoga Co. Treatment Court Graduation 9/30/2009
Tech Valley High School 10/1/2009
Little Sisters of the Poor fall festival 10/2/2009
Boght Fire Dept. 10/2/2009
Halfmoon Recreation Dept. 10/3/2009
Eagle Scout Ceremony, Latham 10/3/2009
Clifton Park Fire Dept. 10/4/2009
American Italian Heritage Museum 10/4/2009
Honor a Vet Ruben Gersowitz, Albany 10/5/2009
Mother Teresa Academy tour 10/8/2009
Eagle Scout ceremony, Latham 10/9/2009
Menands Farmers Market meet & greet 10/10/2009
West Albany Fire Dept. Old Timers Night 10/10/2009
Fresh Market groundbreaking 10/13/2009
German Club, Colonie 10/17/2009
42nd Combat Division Change of Command 11/7/2009
Rexford Fire Dept. 11/8/2009
Shenendehowa High School Veterans Day Ceremony 11/10/2009
Colonie Youth Court 11/12/2009
Latham Colonie KofC 11/15/2009
Clifton Park Elks 11/22/2009
Pacamor Kubar Bearings plant 12/2/2009
Grooms Tavern, Clifton Park 12/4/2009
St. Agnes Cemetery headstone blessing 12/5/2009
Schuyler Inn Christmas event 12/5/2009
Latham Fire Department 12/6/2009
Latham Colonie KofC 12/6/2009
Burnt Hills Oratorio 12/6/2009
Colonie Elks Memorial Day service 12/6/2009
Honor a Vet & Pearl Harbor Ceremony, Colonie 12/7/2009
Shenendehowa Community Center 12/11/2009
Memory Gardens Day of Remembrance 12/11/2009
District Office Meet & Greet 12/12/2009
Clifton Park Annual Chanukah celebration 12/12/2009
Nanoscale Ribbon Cutting and Tour 12/14/2009
Colonie Town Band, Beltrone Center 12/14/2009
Loudonville Christian School tour 12/15/2009
MJ Engineering, Clifton Park 12/22/2009
Eagle Scout ceremony, Clifton Park 12/27/2009
Door to Door visits 5 days

Salary Fund
Assemblyman Reilly donates his legislative salary to local charities
as part of his commitment to public service as a citizen legislator

2009 grants will be awarded in February 2010

2005 2006 2007 2008

Albany Institute of History and Art $6,000
Albany Rural Cemetery $5,000
Albany Symphony Orchestra $1,500
Alzheimer's Association of NENY $7,500
Arthritis Foundation - NENY Chapter $5,000
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region $5,000
Business and Marketing Educator's Association $1,000
Capital District Senior Softball, Inc. $1,000
Capital Region Action Against Breast Cancer $5,000 $5,000
Center for Arts in Education - Capital Region $5,000
CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services $10,000 $5,000 $5,000
CARES $8,000
Catie Hoch Foundation $1,000
Children's Museum of Science and Technology $4,000
Cohoes Community Center $7,500 $5,000
Colonie Senior Services Center $5,000 $5,000
Domestic Violence Rape Crisis Services -
Saratoga $7,000
Down Syndrome Resource Center $9,880
Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company $5,000
Executive Services Corp of the Tri-Cities
(ESCOT) $2,800
Fast Break Fund $1,400 $2,500
First Avenue Peer Support Center $3,000
Food Pantries for the Capital Region $3,000 $5,000
Gilda's Club Capital Region NY $3,000
Girls Incorporated for the Greater Capital Region $5,000
Historic St. Agnes Cemetery $3,000
Legal Aid Society of NENY $5,000
Literacy Volunteers of America - Mohawk/Hudson $3,500 $3,500
Mechanicville Area Community Services Center $10,000 $5,000
Parks and Trails New York $3,000
Parsons Child and Family Center $440
Peppertree Rescue $3,000
Purrfect Companions $2,000
Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY $5,000
Samaritans Suicide Prevention Center $5,000
Saratoga Bridges $5,000
Saratoga Co. Association for Retired Citizens $5,000 $5,000
Saratoga P.L.A.N. $5,000

2005 2006 2007 2008

Scotia-Glenville Children's Museum $7,000
Shaker Heritage Society $3,900
Shelters of Saratoga $4,000
Shenendehowa Senior Citizens $4,000 $5,000
 STRIDE!, Inc. $5,000 $4,000
The Legal Project $5,000 $7,500 $4,000
The Society of the Sisters of St. Joseph $5,000

2009 Member Items

Assemblyman Reilly has been able to obtain funding for many organizations
within his district. Each item must be identified and passed in the state budget,
approved by the State Comptroller and Attorney General and allocated via a
contract with an appropriate agency.

Albany Co. Nursing Home $3,000

Altamont Program 5,000

Alzheimers Disease – NENY 3,000

American Legion Post – 1450 6,000

Capital Region Workforce 7,000

CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services 8,500

Clifton Park – Halfmoon Library 5,000

Coalition Against Sexual Assault 5,000

Down Syndrome Aim High 5,000

Epilepsy Foundation 4,000

Friends of Clifton Park Open Space 5,000

Friends of Pruyn House 4,000

Friends of Shenendehowa Crew 4,000

German-American Club 4,000

Halfmoon Boat/New Netherlands 5,000

Hannah’s Hope 6,000

In Our Own Voices 5,000

Innovative Charities/Mental Health 7,500

Lady Bombers 2,000

Make-A-Wish 5,000

Menands School 15,000

Mohawk Hudson Humane Society 7,500

Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway 5,000

NYS Labor-Religion Coalition 5,000

Rugrunners Robotics 5,000

Saratoga Bridges 9,000

Shaker Heritage Society 5,000

Siena College 5,000

To Life 5,000

Twin Rivers – Boy Scouts 5,000

USS Slater 2,500

Village of Menands 9,000

Wildwood Schools 5,000

William Sanford Library – Colonie 3,000

TOTAL $185,000

Capital Projects 2009

Capital projects are grants recommended by Assemblyman Reilly to
help support building projects for non-profit institutions or
 municipalities. In some cases, he joins with other members of the
Assembly in recommending projects.

Menands Farmers Market Renovations and Enhancements $250,000

Town of Clifton Park Sewers for Olde Nott Farm 125,000

Robert Weininger VFW 8692 Colonie Veterans Memorial 125,000

Town of Colonie Municipal Training Facility 62,000

Halfmoon-Waterford FD SCBA/Life Packs Firefighters 125,000

College of St. Rose Athletic Fields 62,000

Description Action
A.809 1% Homestead cap -- Town of Colonie PASSED
A.127
7 Requires background checks for firefighters/EMS in committee
A.127 LoriAnn's Law - Sets forth police procedures for missing persons in committee
8
A.127
9 Creates a Toll-Free Referral Line for Sex Abuse Victims in committee
A.128
0 Expands Family Health Plus for self-employed New Yorkers in committee
A.128
2 Requires Financial Education curriculum in high school in committee
A.128
3 Creates a STAR Exemption for active duty military personnel in committee
A.128
4 Requires background checks for state contractors in committee
A.154
1 Requires retailers to hold in escrow amount in gift card sales in committee
A.154
2 Provides for forfeiture of pension benefits of officials convicted of crimes using public office in committee
A.154
3 Prohibits personal use of campaign contributions in committee
A.242
8 Makes available Gold Star Wives License Plates in committee
A.244
8 Authorizes school districts to issue bonds for renewable energy projects in committee
A.244
9 Increases penalty for identity theft of people over 65 years of age in committee
A.245
0 Authorizes farmers the option to opt out of Animal ID Program in committee
A.295
9 Allows the South Colonie School District to reissue contract PASSED
A.444
9 Allows liquor stores to sell gift bags in committee
A.711
7 Eliminates term limits for members of Fish & Management Boards PASSED
A.711
8 Exempts active duty military personnel from taking hunting license exams in committee
A.716
2 Extends timeframe to file state income taxes upon death of a spouse PASSED
A.765
7 Prohibits landlords from including cable/internet service in base rent in committee
A.794
4 Increases penalty for knowingly operating overweight trucking vehicles in committee
A.779
9 Authorizes cars with commercial insignia to operate on Taconic Parkway in committee
A.843
3 Prohibits labeling as dairy the use of milk protein concentrate (MPC) in committee
A.847
3 Requires prior consent/teacher videotaping in committee
A.924
5 Requires municipalities to reassess every 5-years in committee
A.924
6 Authorizes municipalities to eliminate Saturday hours for assessors in committee
Assemblyman Reilly is the prime sponsor of the legislation listed below. He
introduced this legislation and is responsible for shepherding its passage.
Examples of Significant Legislation Signed Into Law In 2009

Public Authority Reform Establishes a number of reforms to the governance and operations of
public authorities, including creating an Authority Budget Office and prohibiting the creation of
subsidiary authorities without legislative approval (with certain exceptions). The measure also
would make changes to the authority board's governing process and enable the comptroller to
approve authority contracts. The legislation also would strengthen the rules on the disposition of
public authority property, subject the state public authorities to MWBE requirements under
Article 15-A of the Executive Law, and create whistleblower protections. (A.2209-C / S.1537-C;
Chapter 505)
Rockefeller Drug Law Reform Reforms the state's drug laws by eliminating most mandatory
minimum state prison sentences and restores judicial discretion and permits judges to sentence
non-violent drug offenders to probation, local jail or a combination of both. The bill also
enhances options for substance abuse and drug treatment and rehabilitation. It also would
augment reentry initiatives designed to facilitate the reintegration of offenders into society
thereby breaking the revolving door of drug abuse and prison. In addition, the measure would
allow certain non-violent drug offenders to be eligible for treatment and judges will have more
sentencing discretion. Under the measure, long prison sentences continue to be available,
particularly for drug peddlers, those who sell on school grounds or to minors and for "kingpin"
drug dealers. (A.156-B / S.56-B; Chapter 56)
Education Funding Included in 2009-2010 State Budget Continues the Assembly's
commitment to provide a solid education for New York State's children despite tough economic
times. The budget stabilized aid to schools by restoring $1.1 billion to school districts and
provides $376 million for universal pre-kindergarten. It lifted the governor's freeze on
reimbursable expense-based aid including transportation, building aid and BOCES - ensuring
schools have access to the funds they need. Under the bill, schools benefit by an estimated
increase of $403 million in state funds for the 2008-09 school year. Foundation aid for the 2009-
2010 school year will remain at current levels. The Assembly continues its commitment to
foundation aid by phasing in full funding over three years, a year earlier than the executive's
proposal, starting in 2011-12. (A.153-C / S.53-C; Chapter 53)
Power for Jobs Extends New York's Power For Jobs Energy incentive program through May
15, 2010. The program has provided hundreds of millions of dollars worth of discounted
electricity or energy rebates to businesses and non-profit organizations that pledge to produce
and sustain jobs within New York. The measure also would require PASNY to conduct energy
audits based on a representative sample of the power incentives that are available to its
customers. (A.9039-A; Passed Assembly / S.6031; Chapter 217)
Tier V Pension Reform Enacts a new and cost efficient tier of pension benefits for public
employees. Creates a new Tier V classification for incoming members of the New York State
and Local Retirement/Police and Fire Retirement System (excluding New York City police and
fire retirement system members); New York State and Local Retirement System/Employees
Retirement System; the New York State Teachers' Retirement System; and the New York City
Teachers' Retirement System and New York Board of Education Retirement System. (A.40026/
S.66026; Signed by Governor)

Ethics and Lobbying Reform Strengthens oversight and enforcement of New York's ethics and
lobbying laws and provides the public with improved accountability and transparency by
requiring greater financial disclosure by public officials and lobbyists.
This bill would establish the Commission on Lobbying Ethics and Compliance, thereby restoring
an independent commission on lobbying. The measure also creates the Joint Legislative
Commission on Ethics and Standards and an independent Legislative Office of Ethics
Investigations. It also establishes an Executive Ethics Compliance Commission to replace the
current Commission on Public Integrity.
The legislation also would require increased financial disclosure for all public officials by ending
the practice of redacting categories of value on legislative ethics disclosure forms; adding an
additional category of value to better identify higher-level financial interests; and requiring better
descriptions of outside employment, including consultant businesses and business associations
and appearances before state agencies.
In addition, the legislation also would increase disclosure by requiring lobbyists and clients of
lobbyists to disclose business relationships they have with state public officials. (A.9032; Passed
Assembly / S.6064; Rules)

TAP Program Restored Helps middle class New Yorkers by restoring in SYF 2009-2010
budget $49.9 million in proposed cuts to the Tuition Assistance Program. It also provides $3.9
billion in funding for the SUNY and CUNY systems to ensure that middle class New Yorkers
have access to a quality public education during the economic recession. (A.153-C / S.53-C;
Chapter 53)
Permanent Timothy's Law Makes mental health parity law, referred to as Timothy's Law,
permanent, repealing the law's sunset provision that was established in 2007. (A.8611; Passed
Assembly / S.5672; Chapter 181)
Health Insurance Coverage Up to Age 29 Extends opportunities for dependent children up to
age 29 to access health insurance coverage through their parent's employer sponsored plan. (A.
9038 /S.630; Chapter 240)

Government Consolidation Enacts the New York Government Reorganization and Citizen
Empowerment Act. The measure outlines the processes for local government consolidation or
dissolution for certain local government entities. (A.8501 / S.5661; Chapter 74)

Platform for 2010

 Pass an on time State budget that reduces spending to conservatively
estimated revenues, protects our most needy and vulnerable residents,
distributes funding reductions fairly and mitigates the harm to the core
mission of valued programs.

 Pass a budget that begins a long term structural change in State funding and
spending.

 Pass ethics reform based on Assembly bill A.9032.

 Pass circuit breaker legislation which begins to shift education funding from
property to income taxes. Assembly bill A.7612

 Establish an independent body to redistrict political boundaries. Assembly

bill A.5279.

 Create a policy that identifies agriculture as a significant component of New

York’s economy and support it accordingly.

 Pass legislation that comprehensively addresses campaign financing

including the personal use of campaign funds. Assembly bill A.1543;
Assembly bill A.8092.

 Based on the Federal restructuring of health care, provide adequate health

care to all New York residents with a financially sound structure.
  Provide mandate relief to municipal and educational organizations as well as
businesses.

 Establish better representation of small business throughout State

government.

 Pass legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Reilly.

Tidbits for 2009

Assemblyman Reilly continues to raise Kerry cattle, a rare heritage breed. He

keeps a Kerry steer at the Shaker Historical site in the summer. Unfortunately, no
heifer calves this year.

Ultimate fighting remains banned in New York State in large part due to the
efforts of Assemblyman Reilly. His efforts to keep this sport out of New York
State will continue in 2010.

Assemblyman Reilly appeared on local television, ESPN and BBC as well as in

the New York Times, USA Today and numerous other media outlets as the major
voice in opposition to the legalization of ultimate fighting in New York State.

The Assembly website has been updated and videos of individual members
commenting on issues can be accessed.

You can see Assemblyman Reilly on the 15 minute television program

Assembly Update. The program airs daily on Channel 17 in Colonie at various
times (check the Colonie Library website for times) and in Clifton Park and
Halfmoon at 5:30 pm on Wednesday.

Assemblyman Reilly tours various non-profit organizations and private

businesses on a regular basis. If you would like to have him tour your facility
contact his office (455-5931) and schedule a tour.

Every year about 200 college students work in the Assembly during the spring
semester. Last year Neal Brandt from Binghamton University was assigned to
Assemblyman Reilly’s office and this year James Levy from UAlbany is in his
office.

Assemblyman Reilly is on Facebook so feel free to become a friend.

A 2009 survey mailed to constituents resulted in 1,200 returns which were all
read by the Assemblyman.

“Did you feed the fish” is an almost daily question in the Assemblyman’s office
where he harbors a small aquarium of guppies.