Senator Mark Grisanti (R-60) today announced that Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed the “Sewage Pollution Right To Know Act” which passed the Senate in June.  This Bill which Grisanti introduced amends the environmental conservation law to establish a procedure for the operator of any sewage treatment plant to notify the public of all raw sewage overflows within 24 hours. The bill spells out all the information that must be reported to the New York State Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Conservation including when, where and how much has been spilled.   The purpose of this legislation is to provide valuable information to the public about spills in a timely manner and in an effective way.

Senator Mark Grisanti (R-60) today announced that Governor Cuomo has signed a package of laws to support the craft beer industry.  This legislation will help increase demand for locally grown farmer products, support local breweries and wineries and expand industry related economic development and tourism    The laws keeps intact a tax benefit for small beer breweries, exempts those that produce small batches of beer from paying an annual State Liquor Authority fee, and creates a “Farm Brewery License” so craft breweries can expand their operations through opening restaurants or selling beer related products.  Grisanti sponsored the original Bill S. 5829 that sought to help small craft breweries expand their operations to include shops or restaurants.

Senator Mark Grisanti (R-60) today announced passage of S.6368A that will change the labor law to make it an authorized absence for members of the volunteer fire department and volunteer ambulance squads when they respond to a state of emergency declared by the Federal or State government.  Employers will not be able to charge the time to vacation, sick leave or other excused absences   The Employee must provide the employer with a statement from the head of the volunteer firefighter department or volunteer ambulance squad defining the applicable period of time that the employee was called on to respond to the state of emergency.