Press Releases

Thank You.

“I congratulate Senator elect- Martins on his victory and wish him the best as the next representative of the 7th State Senate District.”

“I am truly thankful to those who supported me throughout my 10 years of public service in Nassau County and Albany, during this hard fought campaign, and during this lengthy – but vitally important – recount process.”

Why Appeal?

Statement from Senator Craig M. Johnson

“I'd be the first to congratulate Jack Martins if I was certain that each of the 85,000-plus votes in this race were counted and counted accurately.

The procedures governing these new voting machines are uncharted territory. What happens here could very well govern how all future close elections are decided.

That is why I intend to take my request for a full hand recount to a higher court. I am prepared for any outcome of such a count.

I am alarmed by County Executive Mangano's plan to close the Sixth Precinct and outsource police operations that cover Manorhaven and the Great Neck, Roslyn, and Manhasset areas to Woodbury.

I understand the fiscal challenges that face Nassau, but targeting my constituents for a reduction in police presence is just plain wrong, and possibly a threat to public safety.

I also don't think it is appropriate for the county executive to make a change this drastic unilaterally and without public input.

“The State Senate twice passed a cap to reign in skyrocketing property taxes, only to have our proposals blocked from a vote in the Assembly. Property taxpayers on Long Island and across New York State are screaming for property tax relief and Andrew Cuomo has listened, joined me and like-minded individuals, and made the passage of a tax cap central to his agenda for the future of this state. I regret that prior commitments and a family illness made it so I couldn't attend today's very important event.

“Great minds think alike. Andrew Cuomo’s embrace of my call to include a tax cap in the next budget extender is even more evidence that he is just what this state needs at this very critical time.”

“I once again call on Governor Paterson to heed our call and secure a legacy as a friend to property taxpayers on Long Island and across New York state.”

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“For years, special interests have blocked the passage of a cap on school property taxes. While such legislation has twice passed the Senate and is supported by the Governor, it has never seen the light of day in the Assembly.

'As we have witnessed this week, Governor Paterson has the power to change that.

'I am calling on him to include the tax cap in next week's budget extender legislation.

“At this time of economic crisis, teachers in the Port Washington and Roslyn school districts, which I represent, made a responsible and laudable decision to forgo raises this coming year. Members of public employee unions should do the same. Such a move would send the right message as families continue to struggle and our economy continues to rebuild, as well as help out the state in the midst of budget negotiations. I believe elected officials should not be increasing their compensation for these same reasons. I have introduced legislation to freeze per diem rates of all state lawmakers.

Circuit Breaker; Property Tax Cap, Senior STAR Rebate Check to Provide Comprehensive Tax Relief To Nassau Residents

Legislation aimed at providing real property tax relief to residents on Long Island and across New York State overwhelmingly passed the State Senate yesterday, Senator Craig M. Johnson, (D-Nassau), announced. The legislation (S.6212), which Senator Johnson helped sponsor, restores STAR property tax rebate checks for senior homeowners earning less than $150,000, creates a “circuit breaker” property tax rebate for the middle class, and caps local school property tax increases.

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