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FOLEY THE CLOWN

Just in from the Third Senate District: Foley the Tax Clown, not to be confused with Brian Foley the Clown. Foley Watch readers started to see the below mailer show up in their mailboxes today. Once again thanks to our fierce and loyal Foley Watch readers we are able to provide you with a copy.

HITTING MAILBOXES x2

Foley Watch readers across the district have reported sightings of a second piece of mail hitting mailboxes this weekend. It's refreshing to see that Brian "MTA Tax" Foley will not be able to run away from his Albany record of tax and spend.

FOLEY THE FOOL

This just in from the Third Senate District: Brian "MTA Tax" Foley is trying to fool the voters. "MTA Tax" Foley's campaign is circulating a petition to run in November on the "Lower Taxes" Party line. The only problem is Taxman Foley has done NOTHING to lower your taxes. In fact he and his NYC friends passed over $14 BILLION in new taxes and fees. If you see this petition (below) in your neighborhoods PLEASE DO NOT BE FOOLED INTO SIGNING! Thanks to a intrepid Foley Watch reader for coming forward with a copy, we here at Foley Watch will remain vigilant to make sure the voters don't get fooled again.

Click here to view a larger version.
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GREETING FOLEY

Senator "MTA Tax" Foley held his "kickoff" campaign rally this weekend at where else but a Union Hall. The only problem with his "kickoff" according to Foley Watch readers reporting in from the event, was that there were more people outside the "kickoff" than inside. MTA Taxman Foley can expect more of the same greetings anywhere he goes in the Third Senate District.

HITTING MAILBOXES

Foley Watch readers and residents of the third Senate District will have a nice surprise in their mailboxes today. Thanks to a Foley Watch reader for sending this in. We here at the Foley Watch will continue to keep you updated on all the activities in the third Senate District as the campaign season heats up.

SIGN OF THE TIMES

Foley Watch readers will soon be seeing these signs all over the district. Thanks to a Foley Watch reader for sending this in. We here at the Foley Watch would like to remind the public that Brian "MTA TAX" Foley was the deciding vote that created the MTA Payroll tax. How different our life would be if only Senator "Fooley" Foley had voted NO.

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BRIAN "MTA TAX" FOLEY RUNS ON CORRUPT WORKING FAMILIES PARTY LINE

It seems like Brian "Fooley" Foley is at it again. This time he actually actively passed petitions for the Working Families endorsement!

ANGER FOR FOLEY MAKES HIS RACE A BATTLEGROUND

Voters and now Newsday are focusing on Senator Foley's slim chances of being re-elected to the Senate this November. Perhpas he didn't think people wouldn't notice he: 

• Created the MTA Payroll Tax
• Eliminated the STAR Rebate Check
• More than doubled the average auto registration fees
• Increased driver license renewal fees
• Increased camper and boat trailer registration fees
• Required the purchase of new license plates
• Increased boater registration fees
• Increased numerous other DMV fees
• Created a salt water fishing license fee
• Increased SUNY Tuition
• Increased LIPA bills

Here's the first of many articles on Foley's opponent, a young attorney and Iraq war veteran:

GOP hopes Suffolk's Lee Zeldin can help regain NY Senate

May 15, 2010 By RICK BRAND rick.brand@newsday.com

When Lee Zeldin first ran for Congress two years ago, he was so unknown that then-Suffolk GOP chief Harry Withers once got his name wrong introducing him. While he raised nearly $1 million, most of his money went to fundraising. And despite a dogged race, he lost by almost 17 percent.

But Thursday night, Zeldin, 30, was at center stage of Suffolk's Republican convention, where he immediately became a top hope for Republicans' regaining control of the State Senate, lost last year.

Before a re-energized GOP throng of 300 - about three times the size of recent conventions - Zeldin, a lawyer and Iraq war veteran, railed at his foe, freshman Democratic state Sen. Brian X. Foley.

He assailed the Blue Point lawmaker as the "deciding vote" on issues hurting the suburbs, including the MTA payroll tax, rolling back of STAR property tax rebates and even saltwater fishing fees. "Brian Foley has sold us out to pander to party brass from New York City," said Zeldin. "We have to turn Senator Brian X. Foley into ex-Senator Brian Foley."

John Jay LaValle, Suffolk's new Republican chairman, said Zeldin's race is essential to rolling back the Democrats' 32-30 edge in the Senate. "This is the big one, folks," he said. "Literally the weight of this state is upon our backs."

Republican senators, out of power for the first time after 43 years of domination, need the majority to control the drawing of new district lines that will last a decade.

But Eric Blankenbaker, a spokesman for the Senate Democratic campaign committee, labeled Zeldin's congressional bid a "vanity project" and said Zeldin has no record of involvement in local issues and no solutions to the state's vexing problems. "He talks in broad, vague terms but has no answers. Brian's been a leader," he said.

Senate Minority Leader Dean Skelos, called Zeldin's race one of the Senate GOP's top three races of a half-dozen now targeted statewide. "We believe he's a winner," he said, predicting Foley's record and Democrats' inept budget performance will mean "a slam dunk for Lee."

Backers say Zeldin learned the ropes in his congressional run and has been campaigning relentlessly since January, with two campaign offices. And with the public's angry mood, some say being a virtual unknown is an advantage. "It's the year of the no-name," said Republican Paul Sabatino, a former counsel to the Suffolk Legislature. "As long as someone is not linked to incumbency, the status quo or the party in power, you have a real shot."

But Democrats say Foley, who has served as Brookhaven supervisor and county legislator, like his father before him, has the deep community ties that will help him weather the storm. The 3rd Senate District, once heavily Republican, has now also turned Democratic. Party officials also say Foley will benefit from Andrew Cuomo leading the ticket.

James LaCarrubba, Foley's chief of staff, said Foley will prevail because people wanted a change from corrupt Republican rule that recently led to the conviction of former Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno. "During the years of Republican rule, Long Island property taxes rose 550 percent," he said. "Let's talk about the people who have reached into your pocket and have really taken your money."

Many expect the race to be the toughest across the Island. "This is going to be like the battle for Berlin: house to house and street to street," said Albany lobbyist Desmond Ryan, referring to the last days of World War II. "It's going to be an uphill fight for both of them and they can take nothing for granted."

FOLEY CAN'T GET HIS HANDS OUT OF OUR POCKETS

When your family budget gets tight, do you turn off the lights and TV when you leave a room?  Lower the AC or heat?  Rent a movie rather than going to the theatre?  In other words, do you cut your spending?

It's a simple enough solution but not for Senator Foley.

Once again he put his hands into hardworking taxpayers' pockets to pay state bills by forcing a one day a week furlough onto state workers.  These are not high salaried people to begin with and are struggling like the rest of us.  The state's spending problem is not their fault!

This isn't the first time Senator Foley put his hands into our pockets to pay for the state's spending problem.  When the MTA needed money, he created the MTA Payroll Tax on business owners.  And perhaps you've seen those nice new license plates that you don't need but must buy?  Yes, thank Senator Foley for that.  Like to fish?  Then you were hooked by his first-ever saltwater fishing license. 

The list goes on and on. 

Whomever is the last to leave the state, please turn the lights off.

YOUR SCHOOL COULD HAVE A PEST PROBLEM

Be on the lookout for a Senator Foley mailing touting himself as an Environmentalist. 

foley passed a bill he sponsored that will ban the use of pesticides on school and day care properties.  Ok, we agree.  Pesticides and children in the same sentence does sound scary but, Senator Foley may have put your child in more danger than he intended.

Here’s why…

First of all, school districts are already required by law to have a safe pest management program.  This program is conducted with Cornell Cooperative Extension and uses organic oils and other safe methods to smother, rather than poison, insects and is therefore safer for children.

Now the only way a school district will be able to use pesticides is if your local school board declares a health emergency. 

So, that means AFTER a child is bit by a tick, infected with Lyme disease, goes into apoplectic shock from a bee sting, or gets a bad case of poison ivy, that's when the school board can declare an emergency.  No disrespect to our School Board members but, they’re not pesticide experts and they have enough on their plates already rather than deal with this problem.

Does anyone else agree that Senator Foley should have conducted a survey to ask parents if they want to take a chance of their child getting bit by a tick rather than having the peace of mind knowing that ticks (or bees, or poison ivy etc.) were not living on the school yard in the first place.

What’s also interesting is Senator Foley’s district has a large number of schools that are located adjacent to or near parks or wildlife areas in which deer and small animals can easily carry ticks.  See the list of schools below.

BELLPORT
Frank P. Long Intermediate School

Bellport High School

BOHEMIA

Connetquot High School

BROOKHAVEN

Brookhaven Elementary School

South Haven School

CENTRAL ISLIP

Mulvey Elementary School

Francis J. O’Neill School

Reed School

EAST ISLIP

Timber Point Elementary School

John F. Kennedy Elementary School

EAST PATCHOGUE

Tutor Time

Verne W. Critz Elementary School

HAUPPAUGE
Happy Acres School

HOLTSVILLE

Sequoya Middle School

Tamarac Elementary School

HOLBROOK

Learning Seeds of Holbrook

ISLANDIA

Tutor Time

Andrew T. Morrow School

MASTIC BEACH

Tanger Smith Elementary School

William Paca Middle School

Merry-Go-Round Elementary School

MEDFORD

Tutor Time

OAKDALE

Tutor Time

Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School

Premm Learning Center

PATCHOGUE

Barton Elementary School

Canaan Elementary School

Childtime Learning Center

Abigail Bottoms Nursery School

River Elementary School

RONKONKOMA

Tutor Time

Duffield Elementary School

Ronkonkoma Middle School

SAYVILLE

Sayville High School

Cherry Avenue Elementary School

St. John’s Lutheran Nursery School

SHIRLEY

Nathaniel Woodhull Elementary School

William Floyd Elementary School

John S. Hobart Elementary School

William Floyd High School

WEST SAYVILLE

Edward J. Bosti Elementary School

VOTERS WERE WARNED

Since arriving in Albany, Senator Foley has raised taxes by $8 billion including the infamous MTA bailout Payroll Tax.  Remember the ads below which Foley called negative tax ads during the 2008 campaign?  It might be a little more clear now...

WHERE ARE FOLEY'S FRIENDS NOW?

Here’s a list of some big names Senator Foley aligned himself with during the 2008 campaign and what they’re doing now…

Govenor David Paterson – forced to pull out of the 2010 campaign over alleged witness tampering and allegedly using his power as Governor to get World Series tickets

Senator Malcom Smith – Thrown out as Senate Majority Leader

President Barack Obama – Once considered to be the second-coming, he is now one of the most protested presidents in memorable history and his policies motivated the creation of the Tea Party.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy – Realized Senator Foley and his New York City Senate Democrats are screwing up the State so much, he switched political parties so he can run for Governor and says he wants to return a Republican Senate Majority.

FOLEY WAS A NO-SHOW AT PARK RALLY IN HIS DISTRICT

400 people showed up at a rally to save Heckscher State Park today from closing.  Elected officials as far as Merrick and Smithtown showed despite not one of their constituents being in the crowd. 

Senator Foley, however, was a no-show despite Heckscher being the largest and most used park in his district. It wasn't even important enough for him to send a representative. 

ASSEMBLY WIN IN FOLEY'S DISTRICT

The troops are energized and Foley's in trouble.

FOLEY SKIPS OUT ON CRITICAL MEETING WITH MTA

A Foley Watch reader informs us that the Chairman of the MTA was in Albany to testify before the Senate Transportation Budget Committee of which Brian Foley is a member.

Foley Watch readers may be wondering what answers Brian Foley got from the following questions.....

• What will you do to fix the MTA so businesses, non-profits, local governments, hospitals and school districts will no longer have to pay the MTA Payroll Tax?
• I've heard you say recently that you are cleaning house at the MTA by reducing staff and cutting services.  How come this wasn't proposed before the MTA Payroll Tax was created?
• Do you understand that I voted to create the MTA Payroll Tax to save the MTA at the cost of small businesses who are struggling in the worst economic times to keep their doors open and now I'm about to lose an election because of it?

Are you wondering what answers Foley got back?  None! Brian Foley didn't bother to show so he couldn't ask these questions.

So, Brian Foley must not care that you have to write that Payroll Tax check because if he did, he would have been at his own Transportation Budget meeting and at least put on a show for us.

FOLEY WORDS FROM THE PAST HAUNT HIM

Before introducing Brian Foley at a 2008 rally, Senator Malcolm Smith (D-Queens) said, "Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson came all the way from the Bronx, Senator Jeff Klein came all the way from the Bronx, Senator Eric Schneiderman from the Island of Manhattan, Senator Diane Savino from Staten Island... Senator Tom Duane from Manhattan as well, and we are all out here because we love Brian Foley."

What did Foley say...?

"We are going to be the true guardians for the suburban agenda!"

Huh?

FOLEY OPPONENT RECEIVES MAJOR ENDORSEMENT

On the Newsday blog today....

Suffolk Conservatives back Zeldin to take on Sen. Foley

Thursday January 28, 2010 8:06 PM By Rick Brand

The Suffolk Conservative Party has endorsed Republican Lee Zeldin for the 3rd Senate District race against freshman Democrat Brian Foley.

Walsh said Zeldin was chosen over two Islip contenders Tom O’Hara, a Suffolk emergency services official, and Tax Pac-er Andrea Vecchio. All three were interviewed by the 30 member executive committee in West Babylon Wednesday night and the choice of Zeldin was unanimous.

The decision is not surprising given that Zeldin has swamped O’Hara in fundraising by $100,000 to about $10,000, and Suffolk and Islip Conservative chairman Edward Walsh's relations with Islip GOP boss Frank Tantone range from strained to hostile.

The endorsement comes as O’Hara, a Suffolk emergency services official, had scheduled a $25-per-person fundraiser Sunday at the Patchogue VFW. O’Hara did not return calls for comment. 

FOLEY SILENT ON SERVICE CUTS IN HIS DISTRICT

Senator Foley was there for the MTA when they needed his vote on the MTA Payroll Tax, but they stabbed him in the back anyway by cutting services at the Ronkonkoma train station - the biggest station in Foley's district.  And what has Senator Foley said about this - NOTHING! 

So, it's the east enders who get hit twice.  They have the least amount of commuters using the MTA yet they must unfairly pay Foley's MTA Tax and now the MTA's service cuts from Ronkonkoma to Greenport means less people will be heading out east to shop and dine.

BUSINESS OWNER SAYS FOLEY "SOLD US OUT"

There's a petition drive underway by small business owners to repeal the Foley MTA Tax.  In this News 55/10 piece, a small business owner states that he'll deliver the petition to Senator Foley and tell him "you sold us out."

FOLEY WATCH OFFERS FOLEY FREE POLITICAL ADVICE

Senator Foley laid out a whopping $22,318 in the last six months to Congressman Tim Bishop's daughter, Molly, at MCB Consulting, Inc. who is his political consultant. 

Foley Watch offers Senator Foley FREE re-election advice. 

1) FIRE Molly! If she's the one telling you to vote for $8 billion in taxes, you're getting hosed, pal! 

2) STOP KILLING US WITH TAXES!

WONDERING WHO WANTS FOLEY RE-ELECTED?

Sentor Foley's financial donations are now available online.  Not surprisingly, his biggest donors come from NYC.

Senator John Sampson (Brooklyn) and Senator Malcom Smith (Queens) who are Senator Foley's leaders in the Senate and are most grateful for his votes to suck Long Island tax dollars into NYC, both gave $5,000 each.

Not surprisingly, he received a check for $10,000 from the NYS Democratic Committee, run mostly by NYC politicians.

Other donations in the past six months include NewYork Check PAC (Manhattan) $5,000 Law PAC of New York (Manhattan) $4,000

SMALL BUSINESS OWNER'S PAYROLL TAX VIDEO 

Another video that speaks for itself from a small business owner angry over the Foley Payroll Tax...

SENIOR CITIZEN CALLS FOLEY "A BACK-STABBING LIAR!"

There was an angry group of taxpayers who greeted Senator Foley and his supporters outside of Foley's fundraiser.

Watch the video and listen in as a senior citizen calls Senator Foley a "back-stabbing liar."  Here's the text of his quote:

"I had coffee with [Foley] at a neighbor's house before he was elected.  We had a heart-to-heart.  I told him the big conern we had was the high taxes on Long Island that's forcing seniors out and he's got to do something and he say's well that's what he's going to work for.  He's going to work to reduce taxes to keep people on Long Island and what's he do, he turns around and stabs the peoople on Long Island in the back by raising taxes and the man is a liar."

FOLEY CALLS IN NYC FRIENDS

Senator Foley's is bringing out his new friends from New York City to launch his re-election kick off fundraiser tonight in Bellport.  Highlighted in the invitation are

• Atty. General Andrew Cuomo (Manhattan)
• Senator John Sampson (Brooklyn)
• Senator Malcom Smith (St. Albans)
• Senator Jeff Klein (Bronx)

This isn't surprising since these NYC politicians run the State Legislature and can't funnel Long Island tax dollars to their districts without Foley's vote. 

Perhaps most confusing is the attendance of Islip Supervisor Phil Nolan and Brookhaven Supervisor Mark Lesko.  Despite Senator Foley whacking their towns with over $412,000 from the MTA Payroll Tax, they're willing to stick to party lines and support his re-election.  Taxpayers will have a hard time swallowing that.

See below for more reaction to the Foley Fund Raiser....

FOLEY FUNDRAISER SPARKS A TEA PARTY

FOLEY WATCH JUST RECEIVED THE MESSAGE BELOW...  LOOKS LIKE SENATOR FOLEY'S NYC FRIENDS AND DONORS WILL BE EXPERIENCING A PLEASANT GREETING COMMITTEE....

Tea Party

A message from Bob Meyer, President Suffolk County 9-12 Project

In The 9-12 Project on January 11, 2010 at 12:44 am

(01-11-2010) Suffolk County 9-12 Project Report

A message from Bob Meyer, President of the SC 9-12 Project

Tea Party at a Flip Floppin Foley Fundraiser!

On January 13, 2010 at 5:30pm, 

at the Bellport Country Club, located at 40 South Country Road, Bellport; NY State Senator Brian Foley will be hosting a “Flip Floppin Fundraiser.”

Suffolk County 9-12 Project and the Conservative Society for Action will be hosting an event to protest State Senator Brian Foley’s support of the highest budget in state history, the MTA payroll tax, and a boat load of new taxes.

Confirmed sources reporting that a large number of flip flops will be in attendance.

 THE FOLEY MTA PAYROLL TAX FLIP-FLOP VIDEO

This video speaks for itself.

 LI BUSINESS NEWS' SAYS FOLEY SHOULD HAVE

KILLED PAYROLL TAX WHEN HE HAD CHANCE

In a recent LIBN editorial on Foley's bill to reduce the payroll tax, they said: "While we commend Foley for fighting to roll back the backbreaking tax, no one should forget that his vote in May played an enormous part in the tax’s approval. He had a chance to kill the tax, but he didn’t."

Based on conversations with small business owners and non profit directors, forgetting that Foley missed his chance to kill the payroll tax is not an issue.

   HARSH TAXPAYER REACTION TO FOLEY BILL

"BUM...BACK PEDALLER....S.O.B....WASHED-UP...FLIP FLOPPER...USELESS..." - you think there's anger out there?

Cut and pasted directly from Newsday's website, here's reaction to Senator Foley's bill to reduce the MTA Payroll Tax:

      Balto
            This bum Foley is backpedalling like a washed-up pug but the
            damage control is too little too late. He cut his own throat by
            hoisting another onerous tax upon his constituents and they
            won't forget what that s.o.b. did to them.
            12/16/09
     

      inlanikai
            Why didn't Foley just vote "no" when he was the deciding vote
            in the first place? Now he's trying to get re-elected by coming
            up with this scheme and look like the hero. Does he think we
            forgot when he sold us out to the Albany power brokers for his
            own selfish gain?
            12/15/09

LI BUSINESS COUNCIL REACTION TO FOLEY BILL 

Here’s a Letter to the Editor in Newsday in response to Foley’s bill to reduce Payroll Tax.

Payroll tax rollback doesn't go far enough

As the MTA announces massive service cuts and layoffs due to a $383-million hole in its budget - partly because the original MTA payroll tax didn't raise enough revenue - state Sen. Brian X. Foley (D-Blue Point) introduces a bill to reduce the tax ["MTA tax relief bill," News, Dec. 16].

It's a political attempt to make voters think he's against the MTA payroll tax, when he actually voted to create it. Regardless, Foley's partial reduction does nothing to bail out small businesses, whose owners are
struggling to keep their doors open during these difficult times. Only a full repeal of the tax would save us.

Richard M. Bivone
East Meadow

Editor's note: The writer is chairman of the Long Island
Business Council.

 THE 10 QUESTIONS NEWSDAY DIDN'T ASK

As expected, Brian Foley announced legislation to lower the MTA Payroll Tax, despite the fact he was the one who created it in the first place.  

Newsday missed a major part of the story in today's article "MTA Tax Relief."  Keep in mind that a properly covered news article never leaves the reader with more questions than he or she originally had.  Here are some of the questions that should have been asked:

1) Senator Foley, the MTA just announced that it has a $383 million hole because your original payroll tax didn't bring in expected revenue.  How do you expect a NYC dominated Legislature to pass your bill knowing that it will create more of an MTA deficit?

2) The MTA announced that it will make massive service cuts and layoffs to fill their budget hole.  Obviously, they have the room to do this so why didn't you demand they make these cuts originally?  If they did this, maybe you could have avoided the payroll tax all together or at least lowered it as you claim to be doing now?

3) Are you expecting the MTA to make further cuts to cover the difference in your tax reduction?  If so, see question #2. 4) Since the Governor is holding back promised school and municipal aid to fill the state's budget hole, how would you expect him to sign this bill knowing it creates a bigger headache for him?

5) This was your chance to protect school district taxpayers by writing into your new bill that the Governor MUST pay school districts' back their portion of the payroll tax.  Why didn't you? You originally accepted a verbal promise from the Governor, but he's already shown his willingness to hold back money from schools and municipalities to fill this year's budget gap.  Don't you think he's already eyeing the schools' payroll tax revenue?

6) If you are actually serious about this bill becoming law, why don't you have a Democrat sponsor of the bill in the Assembly?  With all due respect to Assemblyman Thiele, a registered Independent doesn't hold much weight in that Chamber.

7) Senator Foley, it's well known that you are facing a lot of heat in your district for voting to create this tax in the first place.  Is this an attempt to confuse voters that you are lowering taxes when in fact, you could have cast the deciding vote to kill it originally?

8) When you originally voted to create the payroll tax you  stated: "Yes, it's a bit of a payroll tax. Should it cause any business to leave Long Island, or should it cause any business to go under? No, it should not. If it does, then you have to question the business's fragility to begin with."  Do you still stand by that quote?  What made you introduce this new bill?  Is it because there are more fragile businesses closing and leaving Long Island than you expected?

9) Senator Foley, is it safe to say you were for the payroll tax before you were against it?

10) Senator Foley, who are you trying to fool?

  FOLEY WAS FOR IT BEFORE HE WAS AGAINST IT

Senator Foley is in Newsday today telling voters that he's working to scale back the MTA Payroll Tax in Suffolk County.  Voters however, won't forget that his one vote could have prevented the tax to begin with. 

This is not unusual for Foley.  He introduced a bill to reinstate the STAR Rebate Check after he voted to eliminate it and he introduced a bill to repeal the saltwater license fee after he voted to create it.

A FOLEY APPEARANCE

Senator Foley will make an appearance to be thanked for his same-sex marriage vote by the GLBT (Gay Lesbian Bi-Sexual Transgender) Community.

NYS Senators Craig Johnson and Brian Foley to Attend Long Island Town Hall Meeting on Marriage Equality THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10th AT 7:00pm   Turn your anger into action and attend the  Long Island Town Hall Meeting on Marriage Equality  on Thursday, December 10th at 7:00pm   at   The Long Island GLBT Community Center .  The only 2 Senators from Long Island, Brian Foley and Craig Johnson, who voted yes are coming to The Center to share why they voted for equality for all of New York's families. It is important that we thank and support them and hear what they have to say.   Senator Brian Foley Senator Craig Johnson The purpose of this town hall meeting is to provide a forum for our community to come together and: EXPLORE  what just took place and express how we feel about it. THANK   Senator Craig Johnson , Senator Brian Foley  and members of the New York State Assembly, including Assemblyman Charles Lavine  for their vote on Marriage Equality. HEAR from Senator Craig Johnson, Senator Brian Foley, Assemblyman Charles Lavine, Michael Harrison, LI Regional Director for Governor Paterson and others why they support Marriage Equality and offer some suggestions about what we can do to help them get enough votes to pass the bill . TALK  about next steps, strategy and GET INVOLVED Since the Marriage Vote in the New York Senate last Wednesday, calls and emails have poured into us from community members seeking ways to get involved .  This Town Hall will serve as a key first step to acknowledge those who support our community and set the course for future actions.  Please attend this important meeting on Thursday, December 10th at 7:00pm at The Center .     Long Island GLBT Services Network 34 Park Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706 631.665.2300 | www.liglbtnetwork.org LIGALY Center SAGE-LI

FOLEY OPPONENT LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN

Senator Foley's votes in just his first session in Albany, has sparked enough anger that opponents are lining up to unseat him.  The latest is Lee Zeldin, an Iraqi War veteran who this past weekend officially announced his candidacy and launched his website www.zeldinforsenate.com.

 FOLEY AVOIDS NEW ENEMIES?

After sitting on the fence about his position, Senator Foley's vote to support same sex marriage may have just been a political decision to pick his battles.  Knowinig full well that the bill was going to fail after many of his Democrat colleagues voted no, Senator Foley still voted for it.  Now, he avoids a "bloodpath" war from the gay community who have vowed to go after any member he voted against them as Liz Benjamin reports in her column.  Some highlights from the article:

FOLLOW FOLEYWATCH ON TWITTER

DOES SUOZZI'S LOSS FORESHADOW FOLEY'S?

In the end, it was a tax that ended Tom Suozzi’s 17 year political career - the 2.5% tax on home heating oil.  It was a tax that suburban homeowners couldn’t afford so they voted him out.

Meanwhile, after just one year in the state senate, Senator Brian Foley is responsible for the states's biggest tax assault on suburban homeowners (and keep in mind that he serves on the Senate's Suburban Caucus).

• Created the MTA Payroll Tax
• Eliminated the STAR Rebate Check
• More than doubled the average auto registration fees
• Increased driver license renewal fees
• Increased camper and boat trailer registration fees
• Required the purchase of new license plates
• Increased boater registration fees
• Increased numerous other DMV fees
• Created a salt water fishing license fee
• Increased SUNY Tuition
• Increased LIPA bills

Here are some important quotes focusing on suburban concerns from the press and experts during Foley’s first year in Albany

 “The recent fight over control of the Senate raised fears about dominance by city Democrats.  Those fears may well be coming true.”

          -      Newsday Editorial, March 31, 2009

 "Long Island's two Democratic senators, Craig Johnson of Port Washington and Brian Foley of Blue Point, have an opportunity here to be the real leaders by halting this budget. In their chamber, one vote does mean something, and they should use theirs to stand up for responsible government. Voters will hold them accountable for their decisions on this fraudulent plan." 

            -   Newsday Editorial, April 1, 2009

“What I want to know is where is Senator Foley and where is Senator (Craig) Johnson?  The city is ripping us off.”

-          Martin Cantor, director of Dowling College’s economic and social policy institute (LI Business News Blog)

“Surprisingly, two members of Long Island’s senate delegation, Brian Foley and Craig Johnson, voted for the MTA payroll tax. ...But after reading Senator Foley’s comments defending his decision, I concluded he might just be extraordinarily ignorant of economic realities.

In this grueling recessionary environment, every Long Island business is fragile. And at this critical time to dump on them a payroll tax will force many to lay off employees or shut their doors.”

            - George Marlin, LI Business News blog

FOLEY'S MTA PAYROLL TAX

SPARKS BUSINESS OWNER PROTEST

QUOTES OF THE DAY:

"Do you know how many houses I have to clean to pay that?"  Teresa Ward, Owner of Rocky Point-based Teresa's Family Cleaning, after she saw her $1,200 MTA Payroll Tax.

"A lot of people getting the bills don't even use the MTA.  People are tired of this. This is just another thing that's going to drag them down." Ron Gold, Co-Founder, Long Island Advancement for Small Business.

A Newsday story today (sorry, no link available yet) states that as a result of Senator Foley's MTA Payroll Tax, a new business group called Long Island Advancement of Small Business has formed and has kicked off a petition drive to kill the the Tax made possible by Senator Foley's vote.   They meet at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 3rd at the Smithtown Sheraton. 

But here's the prize quote that Senator Foley told a reporter when he voted for the tax iin which he questions if a business should even be in existence if they can't afford to pay this tax:

"Yes, it's a bit of a payroll tax. Should it cause any business to leave Long Island, or should it cause any business to go under? No, it should not. If it does, then you have to question the business's fragility to begin with."

The Long Island Advancement for Small Business joins with other business groups including the LIA and the LI Regional Planning Council in opposing the payroll tax.  That doesn't include the thousands of business owners, like Ward who have recently opened their new tax bills.

FOLEY'S VOTE FORGIVES CRIMINALS

During Senator Foley's first session in Albany, he voted to weaken criminal  laws that eased what were once considered the toughest  in the nation.  Now, the New York Post is pointing out that violent criminals are applying for release.  Keep in mind, if they're allowed to apply, then they're allowed to be considered for release.  As long as Senator Foley keeps voting the way his NYC bosses tell him to, we should be very, very concerned. 

Here's how the New York Post put it:

"Ten years ago, when the memory of 2,000 murders a year was burned into the mind of every New Yorker, leniency on crime was simply unacceptable.

Alas, the pendulum is swinging back. Leniency’s in fashion again — for those already incarcerated and for current perps." http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/editorials/crime_back_to_the_fvTIs55WtmA9ooVq2sk66L#ixzz0YM3YRgLF

And for those who don't remember Senator Foley's vote to lighten punishments for criminals, he also voted to hide their criminal records from prospective employers.  So now, they can be teachers, in-home health care aides, even money managers.  Here's the list of crimes that can be sealed.

Crimes That Will be Hidden From Prospective Employers

Crimes listed in 410.91 of the Criminal procedure law subject to be sealed:

1.         Burglary in the 3rd degree

2.         Criminal mischief in the 3rd degree

3.         Criminal mischief in the 2nd degree

4.         Grand larceny in the 4th degree

5.         Grand larceny in the 3rd degree

6.         Unauthorized use of a vehicle in the 2nd degree

7.         Criminal possession of stolen property in the 4th degree

8.         Criminal possession of stolen property in the 3rd degree

9.         Forgery in the 2nd degree

10.       Criminal possession of a forged instrument in the 2nd degree

11.       Unlawfully using slugs in the 1st degree

12.       An attempt to commit any of the foregoing crimes if the attempt constitutes a felony

13.       Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 5th, 4th and 3rd degrees

14.       Use of a child to commit a controlled substance offense

15.       Criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 5th, 4th, and 3rd degrees

16.       Criminal sale of a controlled substance in or near school grounds

17.       Criminal injection of a narcotic drug

18.       Criminally using drug paraphernalia

19.       Criminal possession of precursors of controlled substances

20.       Criminal sale of a prescription for a controlled substance.

21.       Criminal possession of methamphetamine manufacturing material

22.       Criminal possession of precursors of methamphetamine

23.       Unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine

24.       Unlawful disposal of methamphetamine laboratory material

25.       Criminal possession of marihuana

26.       Criminal sale of marihuana

SENATOR SCHUMER BELIEVES FOLEY'S FISHING TALE

Every fisherman has a story about the one that got away, but they better keep Foley on the hook for his saltwater fishing license fee debacle.

This week’s Suffolk County News covered Senator Foley’s press conference about legislation he’s introducing that will repeal the saltwater fishing license fee.  Huh?!?!? Senator Foley’s the one who voted to create the license fee just a few months ago. 

Senator Schumer was at the announcement and said he didn’t like the way the fee was set up because it required anglers to purchase a license this fall only to have it expire December 31^st.  Saltwater fishermen would then have to pay another fee for 2010.  Obviously, no one told Senator Schumer that Brian Foley was ok with that set up when he voted for the fee.

The article also points out Schumer’s concerns about the possibility of the fee increasing over the years, similar to the way car registration fees have.  That’s ironic since Foley voted to increase car registration fees this year as well. 

Senator Schumer’s staff needs to do better research before they stand him next to Brian Foley. Just to fill them in for next time, in addition to voting for the fisherman license fee then introducing a bill to repeal it, Senator Foley has tried this method at least three other times in the past.

1)      He voted to repeal the STAR Rebate Check then introduced a bill to bring it back.

2)      He voted for the MTA Payroll Tax which includes all the counties surrounding NYC including Suffolk, but after the vote said he wanted Suffolk removed from the list.

3)      Word is he’s now asking for the car license plate fee to be repealed but again, he was the one that voted for it in the first place.

Senator Schumer, do you see the trend?  Senator Foley’s one of those ‘I was before it before I was against it,’ politicians. 

And as far as the saltwater fishing license fee goes, someone get the gaff and throw this fish story on ice because voting fishermen will want to keep it fresh on their minds this  November.

$3.2 BILLION SHORTFALL - WHAT'S CHANGED?

Foley Watch found this on an upstate blog today:   "Currently, New York state is projected to face a shortfall of $3.2 billion from a budget that raised spending by $12 billion, raised taxes by $8.5 billion and eliminated property tax rebates."

Brian Foley pounded his chest a year ago saying he had the experience to bring financial stability to Albany by changing how Albany works.  Instead, he's become a back bencher waiting for three-men-in-a-room to come out and tell him how to vote.  This is exactly what he did back in April when he voted for the budget that put  us into this mess this year.  Senator Foley continues to use the line of 40 years of Republican control created this mess.  Don't take it anymore.  The budget he voted this year is the budget that gave us $3.2 billion shortfall.

Tom DiNapoli was recently quoted in a Daily News blog on this too:

Now, reports are saying today that it's already cost the state $500,000 to have the legislature in special session this week to solve the problem and $0 has been cut.

NEW GOLD LICENSE PLATES ARE "GOLD" TO FOLEY   

Have you seen the new gold license plates?  It will cost the average family an extra $50 to register their two cars starting this April because you will be required to purchase them.  This comes on top of a whole list of new DMV fees.

Cars are a necessity, especially on Long Island and they’ve become a big money-grab for New York City politicians who run the State Senate.  The new license plate fees alone will generate $129 million in new revenue from vehicle owners at a time when families are cutting their family budgets wherever possible. 

These are the politicians that run the New York State Legislature:

Governor David Paterson ( Harlem)

Malcolm Smith, Senate Temporary President ( St. Albans)

Pedro Espada, Senate Majority Leader ( Bronx)

Jeff Klein, Senate Deputy Majority Leader ( Bronx)

Senator Martin Dilan, Senior Asst Majority Leader & Transportation Chair ( Brooklyn)

Carl Kruger, Chair, Senate Finance Committee ( Brooklyn)

John Sampson, Senate Democrat Conference Leader ( Brooklyn)

Sheldon Silver, Speaker of the Assembly ( Manhattan)

Do you see a trend?  Foley Watch would take a guess that more constituents in Senator Foley’s district alone own more cars than the constituents in most, if not all of the districts of the politicians listed above. 

Readers may think that Senator Foley is powerless over his New York City bosses.  However, his one vote could have stopped all the increases. 

When will Senator Foley stand up for suburban taxpayers?

(In addition to the license plate fees, here’s the list of all the other DMV Senator Foley voted for.)

List of DMV fee hikes

September 1, 2009 By NEWSDAY STAFF  lidesk@newsday.com

A look at major DMV fee increases that took effect Tuesday:

Average vehicle registration fee went from $44 for two years to $105 for drivers living in the MTA region.

Driver's license renewal fees went from $50 for an eight-year renewal to $80.50 in the MTA region.

Trailer registration now costs $42.50 on average, up from $34.

Taxi registration fees, on average, went from $48 to $60.

Average bus registration fees rose from $73 to $91.25.

Motorcycle registration is now $17.50, up from $14.

All-terrain vehicle registration increased from $10 to $12.50.

Average motorboat registrations rose from $40 to $50.

NYC metro residents to pay higher DMV fees

September 1, 2009 By The Associated Press  

VOTERS WON'T FORGET FOLEY

Voters took a stand against out-of-control taxes last week and it would be hard to argue that Brian Foley isn’t in their sites for next November because of his MTA Payroll Tax, elimination of the STAR Rebate Check, massive DMV fee increases, the new and unnecessary license plate money grab, new saltwater sportsmen licensing fees - all part of the $8 billion tax increase package he voted for during his first year in the Senate.

Today, Brian was summoned back to Albany to fix what Governor Paterson says is a $3.2 billion deficit.  He has proposed $1.8 billion in cuts which includes $686 million in cuts to education. 

School districts and taxpayers should be very concerned since Senator Foley’s MTA Payroll Tax doesn’t require the state to reimburse schools for their portion of the bailout package.  They just might see that “reimbursement” going into the state’s general fund.  And who do you think is going to pick up that cost?  You!

It’s time for Senator Foley to say enough is enough.  In fact it would be nice if Senator Foley stood up and said anything at all.  The Democrats in the Senate have only argued that the deficit isn’t as bad as the Governor says it is and have yet to put up a plan as to where to save money.

If the rumors are true that Senator Foley left Brookhaven Town Hall because he didn’t want to be so out front anymore, then he’s doing a good job hiding in Albany while his constituents are picking up the tab for his tax increases at home.

IS IT YES OR NO?

While Foley Watch feels there's more urgent issues to be talking about in this state besides same-sex marriage, Senator Foley has sat silent on the issue for an entire year.  Even hours before a possible vote, he's still "undecided" according to Newsday.  It's too bad he didn't put as much thought into how his elimination of the STAR Rebate Check and his MTA Payroll Tax would cost small businesses, non-profits, schools and taxpayers.

COMING SOON TO FOLEY'S DISTRICT

The attached was forwarded to Foley Watch and will be arriving in mailboxes throughout Senator Foley's district this week.  It highlights that in just a year in the Senate, Senator Foley took away the STAR Rebate Check, hiked DMV fees and created the Payroll Tax.  It also unveils www.iwantmystarrebate.com an online petition to bring back the STAR Rebate program.  The site will also tell you how much you SHOULD have gotten this year if Foley didn't take it away from you.

Click here to view a larger version.
Adobe Acrobat_pdf

FOLEY TRIES TO FOOL FISHERMAN

 It was Brian Foley who was a deciding vote to create a first-ever saltwater fishing license for Long Islanders, but as seen in the article below, he's introduced a bill to repeal it.  Fisherman shouldn't take the bait on this one.  This is just another way Senator Foley is helping his NYC bosses suck money off of Long Island.  Not too many people off of Long Island will be paying Foley's saltwater fishing license tax.  

Saltwater license is going to cost you

September 3, 2009 By TOM SCHLICHTER  outdoortom@optonline.net

Most local anglers knew this day would arrive but few have welcomed it with open arms. Starting Oct. 1, New York anglers will be required to purchase a saltwater fishing license.

It is not so much that fishermen will be taxed to use a resource that until now was accessed free that raises ire, as it is the way the license has been instituted and how the money raised will be used. New York's recreational saltwater anglers will be forced to purchase their initial license for $10 to cover Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. You'll then have to shell out another $10 for next year's license, which will cover the 2010 calendar year. You will not need a license to fish on open or charter boats as owners of these vessels will purchase blanket licenses to cover all of their customers.

As to where your saltwater license fees will go, the word from Albany has been deceiving. The fees collected are to be deposited in the Marine Resources Account, a sub-account of the Conservation Fund. That sounds great - until you learn that much of this fund will be used to pay marine-related Department of Environmental Conservation salaries and expenses that previously were covered by the state's general fund.

Many anglers would willingly pay a small license fee if it were to be reinvested in marine habitat improvement, research, launch ramps, piers and increased access, but this is nothing more than a bureaucratic shell game that quickly will place the newly created fund in deficit. Don't blame the DEC for this one; the shift comes by magic from the New York State budgeting braintrust in Albany.

Starting Sept. 15, the new licenses can be purchased online at www.dec.ny.gov/permits, by phone at 866-933-2257, and in the usual sporting goods and town hall outlets. They cover the entire New York saltwater region, including local tidal creeks and brackish water. That's right, you'll need a saltwater fishing license to catch white perch and tidal trout starting this fall.

The silver lining in all of this? New York's saltwater faithful, who are believed to number more than 250,000, finally will be counted and, thus, hopefully better represented in the fishing politics of the future. I'll believe it when I see it.

There is still a chance for a last-minute repeal of this year's license. Sen. Brian Foley (D-Blue Point) has introduced bill S6110, which would move the starting date for the saltwater license to Jan. 1. If enough upset anglers voice their dissatisfaction to the other state senators, perhaps it will fly. You can find a listing of state senators and their contact information at www.nysenate.gov.

On the docketThe Fisherman magazine's Annual Surf Fishing Show and Seminar is slated for Thursday night at the Huntington Hilton. It features terrific seminars plus more than 50 surf fishing tackle and manufacturing representatives. Contact: 631-345-5200.

The Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation will offer a 10-week instructional course, "Sportfishing on Long Island," with Captain Jerry McGrath at the helm. The $130 course ($85 for children 17 and younger) will be held at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge beginning Oct. 19. It covers all aspects of local fishing and is well worth the tuition. Contact: 631-854-4947.

FOLEY'S DMV TAX

If you're wondering how many taxes did Brian Foley actually vote for, well sorry, but here's another and there's more coming.  When Brian votes in favor with his NYC bosses, Long Island's car registration climbs to over $200 per family with two cars.  Here's the breakdown:

INDPENDENT STUDY SAYS

FOLEY FAR FROM INDPENDENT

Senator Foley voted 100% of the time with his NYC Party Boss

Brian Foley promised us he'd be an indpendent voice in the Senate, answerable to us the voters, not the party bosses.  Yet a shocking indpendent report from NYPIRG says the following:

Senate Democrats voted with Temporary President Malcolm Smith 99.7 percent of the time, with Sens. Aubertine, Foley, Onorato, Oppenheimer, Savino, Schneiderman, Stachowski and Valesky always voting with Smith.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/08/#ixzz0PWDvTGOS

Here's the rest of the text from the Daily News:

By The Numbers: The Leadership-Driven, Partisan Legislature

SHOCKER!! FOLEY DOESN'T WANT MTA PAYROLL TAX

BEING HIGHLIGHTED ON SUFFOLK TAX BILLS

Steve Levy isn't backing down on his promise to put Foley's MTA Payroll Tax as a new line on Suffolk tax bills. Foley Watch doesn't blame him and we're sure taxpayers won't either.  

Here's the Newsday article on it:

Levy wants to highlight MTA tax on property bills

August 26, 2009 By REID J. EPSTEIN  reid.epstein@newsday.com

In a move some legislators say is a shot at state Sen. Brian Foley (D-Blue Point), Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy wants a separate line on property tax bills to show how much of the county property tax bills will go to cover the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's payroll tax.

Levy called a special Legislature meeting for Thursday with one agenda item: adding the line, which Levy officials said would amount to about $7 per tax bill. Though the MTA payroll tax is not a property tax, Levy officials said it amounts to a 6 percent hike in the county's general fund.

The move comes three years after Levy led an effort to eliminate separate tax bill lines that showed what Suffolk property taxpayers paid to cover state mandates.

"It's another one of his vindictive acts," said Legis. Cameron Alden (R-Islip). "It's a shot at Sen. Foley, that's all it is."

Levy spokesman Dan Aug denied the effort has anything to do with Foley, who voted for the MTA payroll tax .

Foley, Aug said, "is not the point here. The point is that we have a mandated pass-through that we feel is important to highlight."

Foley opposes the measure, spokesman Ibrahim Khan said.

"The county executive has requested - and received - over $20 million in additional revenue from the state that will be more than enough to offset the MTA surcharge," Khan said. "There is no reason to further burden the property taxpayers by placing this charge on the property tax bill."

LEVY'S RIGHT TO ADVERTISE FOLEY'S MTA PAYROLL TAX

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy wants his taxpayers to know how much Brian Foley's MTA Payroll Tax is costing them  by making it a seperate line on their tax bills.  Foley says that doing this would "further burden taxpayers."  Senator Foley, isn't your Payroll Tax that's costing Suffolk taxpayers $4 million plus another $24 million for school taxpayers the real burden?

Read about it hear in Levy proposal on MTA tax seen as threat to Foley.

FOLEY SPENDS $10,000 A MONTH

Senator Foley is living the high life in Albany. 

On top of thousands in his per diems, Foley has spent an average of nearly $10,000 per month since he arrived in Albany according to his own campaign expenditure filings.  A major chunk of that money was directed to MCB Consulting a high-priced South Hampton image consultant who appears to be the daughter of Congressman Tim Bishop. 

He also has $840 monthly payouts for consulting fees to long time political pal John Byrne who also happens to be the high-priced Deputy Superintendent at the Brookhaven Highway Department and Vice Chairman of the Brookhaven Democratic Committee.

As Senator Foley dishes out the money to his political pals, he has raised taxes and eliminated the STAR Rebate Check which cost his residents at home thousands of dollars. 

FOLEY USES FLAG FOR HIS POLITICAL PLEAUSURE

How ironic that on the day the Senate passed reforms that will take politics out of the Senate Chambers, Senator Foley stepped up his partisan political ways.

It seems that a well qualified judge was up for a standard re-appointment and despite passing unanimously through the Judiciary Committee with rave reviews, Senator Foley had his name struck from the vote.  According to sources close to Foley and as reported in Newsday, this was political payback to Senator Flanagan because he didn’t like the way that he criticized Foley for not standing for the Pledge of Allegiance a few weeks ago.  Foley told Newsday that it the judge needs more review but Foley Watch found out that this judge has been on the agenda for over a month.

So, here we have Senator Foley once again using the US Flag as a tool for his political pleasure. 

LOCAL BUSINESSES HURT AGAIN BY FOLEY'S POLITICS

Because Brian Foley feels who controls the Senate is more important than why we sent him to Albany, his district will be hurt again.  According to today's Newsday, the Philharmonic at Heckscher State Park in East Islip will most likely be cancelled because a $25,000 grant he promised them won't come through.... unless of course he put his politics aside, and voted on bills.  It only takes one more vote to solve this and so many other problems caught up in his stalemate. 

The Philharmonic attracts thousands of people to his district which benefits local restaurants and small businesses.  What a shame Foley thinks who runs the Senate is more important than his district's economy. 

FOLEY OWES VETERANS AN APOLOGY,

BUT HE DEMANDS ONE INSTEAD 

Senator Foley has demanded an apology from Senators LaValle and Flanagan for stating he was disrespectful for not standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.  Foley Watch thinks he owes one to veterans instead. (See below where a veteran calls foley a "moron" for not reciting Pledge.)

He tells Newsday that he stood for the Pledge at 3pm.  What he didn't say was why he didn't stand for it at 2:30.  Senator Foley seems to feel he gets to choose the time of day when the Pledge of Allegiance is valid. 

Foley Watch knows that our flag and especially our veterans deserve respect 24/7.  They put their lives on the line for us and yes, Senator Foley too.  The least he can do is stand, place his hand over his heart, and return the respect. 

Veterans should call Senator Foley at 631 360-3356 and demand an apology.

Read his statement here.

FOLEY LOCKS HIMSELF INTO CHAMBERS

TO BABYSIT HIS BOSS' CHAIR 

As this is being written, Senator Brian Foley is babysitting Malcolm Smith’s seat and has locked himself inside the Senate Chambers so the Republican’s can’t claim the room.  How pathetic of him and embarrassing for his constituents.

The Daily News blog has it here stating that Foley has literally locked himself in the Chamber.  It also can be read here on the Newsday Spin Cycle.

VETERAN CALLS FOLEY A "MORON"

Foley's colleagues Senators John Flanagan and Ken LaValle were shocked that Senator Foley would take the battle of the Senate so far and not stand for the Pledge of Allegiance in Chambers yesterday.  They call him disrespectful not only to the flag but to veterans, especially those who gave their lives so a guy like Foley can have the privilige to even serve as an elected official in a democratic government.

A person identifying him or herself as "Proud Veteran" left this comment on Newsday's Spin Cycle: "I am beginning to think that Foley is a complete moron. Whenever he is in the presence of a veteran of the armed services, the veteran should turn his or her back on him. Pathetic behavior by Foley."

Although he’s not pictured in the shot, here’s a link to the blogsite NY Daily Balance which includes a video of the Pledge of Allegiance Protest.  You'll see it shows one Democrat rising for the pledge but two fellow Democrats yank on his suit jacket to sit him back down.

FOLEY APPROVES OVER $3 MILLION IN

PATRONAGE AND PAY HIKES

Brian Foley, the guy who credits himself as the "great reformer," obviously didn't see anything wrong with increasing patronage and Senate Democrat payrolls by nearly $3 million.

The economy seems to be doing well under Foley's watch.  One person Foley approved to hire earns over $190,000.  And his assistant? Try $188,000.  Oh, and that guy's two assistants?  How about another $166,000 each!  

This comes after Foley raised your taxes and eliminated your STAR Rebate Check during a time when Suffolk County families are trimming family budgets, losing jobs and taking pay cuts.  

Read the Daily News article about it here.

FOLEY SAYS POWER IS MORE IMPORTANT 

Foley cares more about power and who controls the Senate rather than getting his job done as seen in this News 12 story.  (Foley Watch will post the script of the piece when News 12 puts it up on their site.)

The reporter questions Foley about his legislation to add a $50 fine on speeding violations on the LIE and Sunrise Highway.  He boasts it’ll pay for increased police enforcements.  But when News 12 exposes the fact he’s boycotting session and zoom in on his empty chair, he shows that his Albany political and power fight is more important to him than getting his job done.

Once again, Foley “the reformer” shows his political colors.

JUDGE SAYS "NO CASE" BUT FOLEY SAYS SURRENDER

Kudos to Long Island Business News for finding Senator Foley.  Based on his statement, Foley Watch wonders what planet they found him on.

Foley’s told LIBN that the Republicans should just “give up,” ironically, on the day a judge threw out the Senate Democrats' case to put them back in power.

Foley is showing his political colors here.  It’s not the Republicans in control of the Senate.  It’s one Republican and one Democrat who created a coalition that has passed a list of reform and rules changes in the Senate which the Democrats already said they’ll throw out if they ever regain control of the Senate. 

Senator Foley says that when residents sent a Democratic Majority to Albany last November, they did so “believing that it would signal a new day in Albany; for five months, it did.”

They did? 

A new day is a budget negotiated behind closed doors?  An MTA bailout negotiated behind closed doors?  Ceasing open public-conference committees? 

• He says that in the last five months, Democrats had to make “tough choices.” Those tough choices were to:  
• Pass a budget with record spending
• Raise state taxes $9 billion   
• Repeal the STAR Rebate Check costing Long Island residents $370 million  
• Create a Payroll Tax costing schools and municipalities alone over $27 million plus tens of millions more for non-profit agencies and businesses  
• Increase utility rates  
• Pass a drug reform law that allows felons and drug dealers to become teachers and bankers  
• Throw federal stimulus money at social reform rather than invest it into jobs.  
• Increase welfare enrollment to the highest level in decades 

He says that Republicans had forty years to fix Albany and “how can they reasonably expect us to fix it in five months?” 

Senator Foley….doesn’t it seem like things got worse?

FRANK MACKAY GETS IT

Frank MacKay, Chairman of the Independence Party, understands what’s going on in Albany.

He tells the Long Island Business News “... the current drive toward a more democratic coalition government represents the best hope we have for reforming the draconian Senate rules of the past. The reforms are necessary regardless of who initiated them, and many more are needed.”

This is a must read for Senator Foley.

IT'S TIME FOR SENATOR FOLEY TO STAND UP AND LEAD 

The Judge today dismissed the Senate Democrats case to regain control of the Senate Majority.  As expected, they've appealed, but for now the Senate Republicans remain in control.  See the lastest here.

Foley Watch was notified that for the second day in a row, Brian Foley didn't show up to Chambers for Senate session.  Argue all you want about who's in control but a 31-31 vote is only a problem on a controversial issue.  There is work that can still be done if just one Senator, like Brian Foley for instance, would walk through those doors and show willingness to set politics aside.

NO-SHOW FOLEY WANTS HIS MONEY

Brian Foley didn’t show up to Senate Chambers yesterday despite a judge saying the Senate needs to resolve its issues and get back to work.  But only hours later, he certainly didn’t miss his own high-priced fund raiser ($500 per person and $750 to be an event sponsor) down the street from the Capitol. 

Like it or not, the push behind the coalition’s leadership vote was to change how the Senate operates and deliver the reform voters voted for this past November.

Yet, besides his fundraiser, has anyone seen or heard from Senator Foley?  He’s been hiding from the press and mute on the coalition change.  But, one would think that this would be a perfect opportunity for him to join with those who want to bring change to Albany.  After all, he called his own reform efforts in the Town of Brookhaven an “historic opportunity” and promised to do the same in Albany.  His press release said this during the campaign:

"Just as Brookhaven was in great need of reform and we seized on an historic opportunity, today the old ways of doing business in Albany must change," Supervisor Foley said.  "...I believe it is time for a new generation of leadership to fight for Suffolk County."

And Congressman Israel said, " Albany needs real change and reform and Brian Foley is just the man to lead the fight."

Senator Foley, this is the historic opportunity you’ve been waiting for and you could be the one to lead the fight for Albany…. but you’re not.  Instead of sitting back and waiting for others, seize the moment and deliver the change your promised.

COALITION SAYS FOLEY IS WELCOME

The Long Island Business News polled business and government leaders and asked them what changes should come of the chaos in Albany.

Interestingly, they want to change laws and cut spending which Senator Foley put into place during his five months in Albany including the millionaire’s tax.  They also want taxes cut for small businesses which were devastated by Foley’s payroll tax. 

They like the Skelos/Espada coalition’s reform agenda and they want Senators Foley and Craig Johnson to be considered “equals.”  Foley Watch was told that both Senators Skelos and Espada called their coalition a “new day” in Albany and that each and every Democrat Senator is invited to join them where all will have an equal voice.  Foley Watch feels the new coalition has opened the door and it’s up to Foley and Johnson to walk through it.

CANTOR: FOLEY CAN'T HURT LONG ISLAND ANYMORE 

Marty Cantor, Long Island’s most outspoken economist, says Senator Foley blew his chance to do something to help Long Island when he was in the Majority.

He wrote in the Long Island Business News… “Brian Foley can’t hurt Long Island. He can go to the back bench, where he belongs…. He never stood up for Long Island.”

Foley Watch has to agree with him here having reported before that he never once debated the budget or the payroll tax which taxed our small businesses.  He later told a reporter and a group of business owners, “Yes, it’s a bit of a payroll tax. Should it cause any business to leave Long Island, or should it cause any business to go under? No, it should not. If it does, then you have to question the business’s fragility to begin with.”

Read Cantor’s comments here.

LISTEN IN ON INMATES LOVING FOLEY'S DRUG DEALER PROTECTION ACT

There's a lot of change happening in Albany now after Brian Foley failed to deliver the reform he promised.  But during the five short months Senator Foley was in the Majority, his laws leaves behind a wake of problems.  One includes his Drug Dealer Protection Act which Foley Watch has reported on numerous times before. 

Listen to this audio recorded between an inmate and his friend praising (and laughing hysterically) about Foley's law.  "They just created the beast," the inmate says.  "Even if you have four or five convictions, you're eligible... they just gave me the free-for-all.  You know what that means.  I'm burning the streets up when I go home."

FOLEY'S FAILURES THROW DEMS OUT OF POWER

Brian Foley promised he'd reform Albany, but after he got to the Senate things got worse.  Backroom deals, billions in tax increases, a first of it's kind tax on school districts, local governments and non-profit organizations, a law to protect drug dealers so they can get jobs as teachers, bankers and in-home health aids, and on and on and on. 

So, two of his Democrat colleagues today stood with the Senate minority and put them back in power. This renders Foley powerless and unable to do further harm. 

FOLEY THE BANKING CHAIRMAN SAYS IT'S OKAY

FOR A FELON TO MANAGE YOUR MONEY

Brian Foley, Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, voted for a law that allows criminals who committed acts of fraud, larceny and burglary to get jobs as bankers.  It also allows drug dealers to become teachers, school bus drivers, day care workers, in-home health care aides and other jobs. 

See below for a list of the 26 crimes that will be excluded from criminal background checks that include use of a child to commit a drug offense, and the selling of drugs in or near school grounds.

 The New York Post criticizes Foleys law saying that all a drug dealer needs to do is convince a judge he or she is rehabilitated and their records will be sealed from criminal background checks. 

Crimes That Will be Hidden From Prospective Employers

Crimes listed in 410.91 of the Criminal procedure law subject to be sealed:

1.         Burglary in the 3rd degree

2.         Criminal mischief in the 3rd degree

3.         Criminal mischief in the 2nd degree

4.         Grand larceny in the 4th degree

5.         Grand larceny in the 3rd degree

6.         Unauthorized use of a vehicle in the 2nd degree

7.         Criminal possession of stolen property in the 4th degree

8.         Criminal possession of stolen property in the 3rd degree

9.         Forgery in the 2nd degree

10.       Criminal possession of a forged instrument in the 2nd degree

11.       Unlawfully using slugs in the 1st degree

12.       An attempt to commit any of the foregoing crimes if the attempt constitutes a felony

13.       Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 5th, 4th and 3rd degrees

14.       Use of a child to commit a controlled substance offense

15.       Criminal sale of a controlled substance in the 5th, 4th, and 3rd degrees

16.       Criminal sale of a controlled substance in or near school grounds

17.       Criminal injection of a narcotic drug

18.       Criminally using drug paraphernalia

19.       Criminal possession of precursors of controlled substances

20.       Criminal sale of a prescription for a controlled substance.

21.       Criminal possession of methamphetamine manufacturing material

22.       Criminal possession of precursors of methamphetamine

23.       Unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine

24.       Unlawful disposal of methamphetamine laboratory material

25.       Criminal possession of marihuana

26.       Criminal sale of marihuana

LI Regional Planning Council Says Foleys MTA Bailout is Bad For LI

Foley Watch wants to link its readers to Michael Whites column in the Long Island Business News about how Senator Foleys Payroll Tax will burden small businesses, nonprofits, local governments and school districts."  

White, who heads up the Long Island Regional Planning Council states, "By the way, Albany says the school districts will be subject to the payroll tax, but will then be reimbursed.  That means property taxes will first be raised to pay it, rather than having the school districts exempt in the first place.  Does anyone understand how the reimbursements will get to the school districts?  And it begs the question whether any government actually returns tax money once its collected.

Mr. White, Foley Watch has been waiting to hear those same answers from Senator Foley. 

FOLEY NEEDS CLASS IN LAW WRITING 101

Suffolk taxpayers can't afford Brian Foley's law writing mistakes.  After yesterday's Newsday article that ticketed violations on the Long Island Expressway and Sunrise Highway are down 63% since Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy assigned Deputy Sheriff's to patrol them, Foley's knee-jerk reaction for press missed the mark. 

Yesterday, he announced a bill that he introduced to add a $50 surcharge to any moving violation on the LIE or Rte 27 across Long Island.  It's not a new idea.  Gov. Paterson proposed the surcharge last year without Levy's support because the state has the ability to use the money as it deems fit as pointed out again in the article:  Levy spokesman Dan Aug said Tuesday, "The bill is flawed in that collected monies are given to New York State and are distributed in any fashion that the state desires."

Foley told Newsday he intends for the money to go pay for the patrols.  "Foley's bill does not require reinstating the Suffolk Police to highway patrol duty, though Foley said that is his intention," Newsday said.

This is the second time in just weeks Foley has made this crucial mistake.  Remember the payroll tax that "intends" to reimburse Long Isand school districts over $23 million?

FOLEY ALLOWS DRUG CRIMINALS TO TEACH, CARE FOR ELDERLY, MANAGE YOUR MONEY...

Soon, you'll wonder if the new teacher in your child's class had a drug addiction and complete criminal background check ?  That will also go for the in-home aid caring for your elderly parent, or a nanne watching your toddler.  Under a new law that Brian Foley supported, courts will start sealing the records of addicts convicted of drug related crimes.

Brian was well aware of this dangerous loophole according to his colleague Senator Eric Schneiderman (D-Manhattan) "The intention is to give people a chance to get themselves back on track and get a job," he said.  Sure, at the risk of your loved one under that person's watch.

Read more about this in the Daily News article Albany lets druggies slide: Drug reform seals records, so addicts can get sensitive jobs

Billionaire Leaves NY Because of Foley Budget

Many of us may not feel sorry for billionaires who complain about taxes but when they leave New York that leaves a mark on our economy.  Point made here in this NY Post article about Rochester billionaire Tom Galisano who said the state budget Brian Foley passed would cost him an extra $1 million, on top of the $4 million he already pays so hes changing his primary residence to Florida.

Foleys budget, which includes his rich people tax hurts working families too.  A person with a $500,000 income has limits and may cut back on that extension on their home, purchasing a new boat, going on vacation, etc. etc.  Who got hurt?  In these cases, it was the hard working home improvement guy, the boat salesman and the travel agent.  Theyre far from rich but in the long run, theyre paying Foleys rich people tax.

NEWS 12 & NEWSDAY STORIES ON FOLEY PAYROLL TAX

Sorry, Brian, this isn't going to go away quietly.  Senate Republicans who all voted against your payroll tax held a press conference today telling your constituents how much you are taxing local governments.  The report says Foley's payroll taxes will cost Suffolk County $4.5 million.

Here's the video and the story:

Republicans say payroll tax's cost is too high

The MTA bailout that passed the state Senate last week lowered fare hikes originally proposed by the transportation agency. The payroll tax included in the bill taxes employers, but schools will be reimbursed.

Republicans say if local governments have to pay the payroll tax, property taxes will have to go up. State Senate Finance Committee Republicans say payroll taxes on county, town and village levels will total about $5 million in Nassau and about $4.5 million in Suffolk. They are urging Democrats to exempt municipal governments from the tax.

"Each local government will get taxed for this payroll tax, state Sen. Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City). So how do they raise their money? They dont have a magic well. It goes to the property taxpayer."

At a news conference Thursday, the Republicans blamed Long Island's Democratic senators, who voted in favor of the plan. A spokesman for state Sen. Craig Johnson (D-Port Washington) told News 12 Long Island Sen. Johnson stood up and successfully fought for a plan that protects schools and taxpayers and that Republicans refused to offer any solutions to a very real problem.

Here's the Newsday version

Yes, Brian, your vote was that bad!

Elected officials who call for their former colleagues resignation is pretty bad but, its much worse when your home county says screw this, were out of here.

Newsday is reporting today that fellow Suffolk County Presiding Officer Bill Lindsay is calling for Suffolk County and Long Island to secede.  They expect to vote on sending their request to Albany today.  Not only is Lindsay a Democrat, he lives in Foleys district.  How embarrassing.

"They keep taking more and more from Suffolk County to subsidize the rest of the state," Lindsay said. "It's got to stop. Maybe if you scream loud enough, they'll hear us."

Meanwhile, Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone, another Democrat, is holding an urgent meeting of village mayors, schools officials and others this Thursday to address Foley's Payroll Tax. 

"This is money neither the town, nor any other public sector employer, has budgeted for, yet we will all be required to pay this tax," he said.

Petrone said the payroll tax that the town and its districts pay will wind up being passed on to local taxpayers. And though the state will reimburse school districts for the payments, Petrone said that doesn't completely address the issue. "School districts will have to finance the tax in some manner and carry the burden for a year or more" before receiving restitution, he said

CROSSON: DOES FOLEY UNDERSTAND WHAT HIS TAX HIKES WILL DO TO SMALL BUSINESSES?

Every small business owner should call Brian Foleys office at 631-360-3356 after they read Matt Crossons LIA blog where he quotes Foleys ignorance of what his Payroll Tax will do to small businesses.  This is a must-read.  Heres a taste of it:

I found State Senator Brian Foleys remarks to WLNY-TV last Friday (May 8th) so troubling. Sen. Foley said (and this is a          verbatim transcription):

Senator Foley: Yes, its a bit of a payroll tax. Should it cause any business to leave Long Island, or should it cause any business to go under? No, it should not. If it does, then you have to question the businesss fragility to begin with.

Fragility? Thats exactly the point. Thousands of small businesses and not-for-profits are at this very moment in the most fragile condition they have been in for many years, perhaps ever. And we dont have to question their fragility, we are confronted with it every single day.

I like Sen. Foley very much and I mean him no harm, but that comment made me wonder if he really understands whats happening in the small business community. In the last five weeks, the State Senate Majority of which Senator Foley is an important part, has raised taxes by over $9 billion, $11billion if you count the elimination of the STAR property tax rebate, and I certainly count it. Billions of those tax increases are falling squarely on small business people, the very people on whom the recovery of our economy depends. The MTA tax was just the latest in the long chain of taxes.

Here's another...

MARLIN: FOLEY STATEMENT OFFENSIVE AND DIM-WITTED

George Marlin called Brian Foley ignorant of the states economic realities.  Heres a piece of his blog slamming Foley:

Surprisingly, two members of Long Islands senate delegation, Brian Foley and Craig Johnson, voted for the MTA payroll tax. My initial reaction to this news was that Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith promised them plenty of political swag for casting their irresponsible Yea vote. But after reading Senator Foleys comments defending his decision, I concluded he might just be extraordinarily ignorant of economic realities.

Some Long Island pols get it. For instance, Nassau Comptroller Howard Weitzman, who warned that the cost of the tax on the private and not-for-profit sector should be of concern to all but Foley actually told WLNY-TV that the MTA tax will not affect any business, and that you have to wonder about the fragility of any business that says it is affected by it.

What an offensive and dim-witted statement. Senator Foley insults every hardworking entrepreneur and non-profit leader who is struggling to survive and pays his salary and per diems.

In this grueling recessionary environment, every Long Island business is fragile. And at this critical time to dump on them a payroll tax will force many to lay off employees or shut their doors.

The rest of the blog can be read here.

WHAT DID GINNY FIELDS SEE THAT BRIAN DIDN'T

Although they represent many of the same constituents, Brian Foleys Democrat counterpart in the State Assembly, Ginny Fields, recognized that the MTA bailout was bad for Suffolk Residents.  Heres the Long Island Business New blog on it.

SENATOR CLINTON SAID FOLEY WOULD CLEAN UP ALBANY

Heres a campaign quote from then Senator Hillary Clinton about Brian Foley being the guy to clean up a corrupt government:

He turned around a notoriously corrupt town government The New York State Senate urgently needs Brian's voice of reason.

But it seems that since Brian Foley went to Albany, theres been more law breakers than law makers in his own Democrat conference.  In addition to Senator Monserattes arrest for allegedly beating up his girlfriend earlier this year and yesterdays arrest of Senator Kevin Parker for allegedly roughing up a New York Post photographer, Attorney General Cuomo has set his scopes on another Foley colleague, Senator Pedro Espada who hasnt filed his campaign records with the State Board of Elections 

Heres Malcolm Smiths warning to Espada:

In light of Sen. Pedro Espadas recurring failure to appropriately file complete campaign finance records, I have instructed Senator Espada that he has one week to file his campaign committee with the State Board of Elections, as well as submit a written payment plan with a significant down payment toward past debt. Failure to comply with any of these instructions will result in immediate action against Senator Espada.

The rest of the article can be read here on the Times Union blog.

Senator Foley, you promised us things would change.  It seems to have gotten worse on so many levels.

CATCH CROSSON & WELLES TONIGHT

WHEN KEATING CALLS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS TO UNITE

In addition to Crosson's commentary about the MTA bailout and the Foley Payroll Tax, C&W guests say the tax is bad for business.  It's the business owners they say who are being hit by the higher income tax and now they're being taxed for employing people. 

Monday, May 11 at 7:30 pm

This weeks guests:

• Charles Brecher, Ph.D, Executive Vice President, Director of Research, Citizens Budget Commission
• Raymond Keating, Chief Economist, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
• Larry Levy, Executive Director, National Center for Suburban Studies, Hofstra University
• E.J. McMahon, Executive Director, Empire Center for New York State Policy, Manhattan Institute for Policy Research

Topics of Discussion (subject to change):

• MTA Bailout Package
• Proposed Bills By Senate Democrats

DAILY NEWS SAYS FOLEY'S SENATE DEMS

WILL KILL WELFARE REFORM 

A Daily News editorial warns us that after a decade of welfare reform where "employment rates of single women has shot up" and "poverty among children has gone down," Senate Democrats will bring New York back to the "bad old days."  The editorial states:

"In years past, the Democratic-led Assembly would approve bad bills like these only to have them die in the Republican-led Senate. But now that Dems rule in both houses, chances for passage have risen dramatically."

This will be another opportunity for Brian Foley to stand up for his constituents but instead, Foley Watch predicts he'll just get in line and keep his mouth shut has he has done consistently since he arrived in Albany and allowed our taxes to skyrocket.

Read  "Welfare deform: Albany is threatening to return New York to bad old days on the dole"

NEWSDAY PUTS FOLEY ON LOSER SIDE 

Newsday put out a list of winners and losers on the MTA bailout plan and under the loser side is Brian Foley and the Senate Democrats.  When you click on the link, be sure to take the poll if the MTA bailout will work.  As of this post, more than 3 to 1 voters say the bailout raises both fares and taxes. 

Foley didn't listen to the school officials and taxpayers that a "promise" for reimbursement was enough.  Foley also never called for a "sunset provision" of the payroll tax and as proven in this short you tube video, the tax will never end.

By the way, go ahead and search you tube where Senators, both Republican and Democrat seem to be posting themselves on specific issues such as the budget and MTA bailout.  You'll notice that Senator Foley doesn't have any uploaded because he never says anything.

THIS IS THE CHANGE FOLEY PROMISED?

Since Brian Foley was elected to the Senate and the Democrats took control of the Majority, two of his colleagues have been arrested for assault.  The latest is Senator Parker for allegedgly attacking a newspaper photographer for taking his picture.  This is the second violent outburst for Parker who was arrested in 2005 for punching a parking agent for issuing him a ticket.

Still under criminal investigation is Senator Hiram Monseratte who was arrested for beating his girlfriend with a broken bottle.  See ALL WOMEN SHOULD BE OUTRAGED! below when Foley Watch said Senator Foley should be calling for Monseratte to step down especially after local community women leaders including Assemblywoman Ginny Fields anBrookhaven Town Councilwoman Connie Kepert said that Brian Foley will be the partner women need in Albany.

LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS SAYS:

"Brian Foley you're a marked man."

Wow! LIBN... tell us how you really feel?  Read their blog Suffolk Legislature, LIA slam MTA deal here.

FOLEY DIDN'T STAND UP FOR HIS SCHOOLS IN DEBATES 

Senator Foley's silence in the debate last night on the MTA payroll tax was deafening as it was during the entire budget debate last month.  Here's a great you tube clip of Senator Flanagan not only standing up for his schools but pointing out how private and non-profit schools will be hurt by the payroll tax.  He also fights for two of Foley's schools, St. Mary's of East Islip and Dowling College in Oakdale as part of many who will be hurt by the Foley Payroll Tax. 

Foley Watch thanks Senator Flanagan for standing up for schools in Senator Foley's district because Brian certainly wasn't going to do it.

SCHOOL BOARDS & TOWNS RIPPING MAD ON 

FOLEY PAYROLL TAX 

The Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association released a sharp memo to Senator Foley which was read on the Senate floor during debates last night.  Here's a short quote from one but there are 13 other letters to Senator Foley including press releases and statements on their opposition to the payroll tax.  It is apparent they don't trust Foley to actually reimburse them.  The rest of this memo can be read here but go to their website at http://www.nssba.org/ to see their other letters to Foley.

In two weeks our voters will pass judgement on local school budgets that are the tightest in yearsschool budgets that do not include the $24.4 mandated increase for the MTA.  A reimbursement, if it comes at all, would not be taken up until the 2010-11 state budget.

And what then?  Is the MTA reimbursement to be added to the list of promised aids that or schools have to fight for annually?  How soon will it be before the reimbursement is viewed as extra state aid going to rich Long Island?  How long will it take before school districts are chastised for the increases in their expenditure budgets to accommodate the additional payroll costs?

IS THIS WHAT YOU, OUR SUBURBAN STATE SENATORS, AGREED TO?

LONG ISLANDERS DESERVE BETTER  DONT BRING OUR SCHOOLS INTO THE MTA FUNDING SHELL GAME  PROTECT EDUCATION DOLLARS!

Meanwhile, here's a clip of Frank Petrone's Long Island Business News Blog stating This is yet another example of the state looking to transfer its own fiscal problems onto the backs of local governments, no different from the raft of unfunded state mandates that symbolize Albanys dysfunction,   Read it here.

FOLEY SAYS HELL VOTE FOR PAYROLL TAX

The Daily News blog is reporting that Senator Brian Foley has caved and agreed to vote for the Payroll Tax.  This is another monumental (albeit expected) Foley Flip-Flop.  Read the story here.

School districts, municipalities, non-profits, small businesses, big businesses, new businesses. the list of who will be paying the Foley Payroll Tax goes on and on and on.  Businesses will close and more people will lose their jobs. 

This is a job-killing tax in the worst of times and while Foley says he wants the schools reimbursed, right now there are no guarantees and there doesnt seem to be any sunset language in their agreement.  Even if theres a guarantee the money will be reimbursed, think of the waste of time and human resources calculating the tax will have on school administrators who have already calculated their school budgets for next year.

So, despite calls from school superintendents, school boards, PTAs, school taxpayers, business owners, economists, business association leaders, and non-profit professionals who all asked Foley to vote against this bill, hes doing it anyway.

And if youre just joining Foley Watch for the first time, follow the Foley flip-flopping here:

1)                  Foley once announced a school rally opposing the Payroll Tax

2)                  Foley then decided to support the payroll tax and is a no-show at his own rally

3)                  Foley then tells reporters hes dead-set against a payroll tax"

4)                  Foley votes for the payroll tax in his Transportation Committee

5)                  Foley tells reporters despite his YES vote, hes against the payroll tax

6)                  Foley now says hell support the payroll tax

You cant make this stuff up!!!

SENATOR FOLEY HAS GUV'S BACK

Governor Patersons poll numbers are so low, half of New Yorkers are wishing Spitzer was back.  Despite his exceptionally poor leadership skills, Paterson has signed off on a state budget that increases taxes by $8 billion (not including the new MTA job-killing payroll tax).  It also eliminates the STAR Rebate Check, and raises college tuition and utility rates.

Keep in mind, that Senator Foley and the Senate Democrats rubber stamped Patersons budget.  is anyone wondering how low Senator Foleys numbers are?

NEWSDAY POLL FINDS FOLEY TO BE

A SELF-PROMOTING POLITICIAN

A Newsday poll released today shows residents think Foleys STAR rebate plan is nothing more than a lunge for self-promotion.  Not surprising since Foley voted to eliminate the STAR Rebate check in the state budget then two weeks later releases a plan to reinstate it. 

WHILE YOU STRUGGLE TO PAY TAXES,

BRIAN CONSIDERS MARRIAGE

As taxpayers wrestle with the worst economic times and wonder how they will pay increased state taxes and keep their jobs, Brian Foley is thinking about gay marriage.  Because he said he was reviewing the plan, rather than just coming out and saying hes for or against it, calls are swarming his office.  Heres a clip from New York Magazine

But Van Capelle (Executive Director of the Empire State Pride Agenda)  is worried about two Democrats who hail from somewhat conservative regions and have not yet voiced a decision either way: Senators Brian X. Foley of Suffolk County and Ruth Hassell-Thompson, who represents parts of the Bronx and Westchester. He says the two of them, plus Onorato, Stachowski, Valesky, and Huntley, are all folks people should reach out to.

Keep in mind, as Foley Watch has pointed out before, gay rights advocates saw Foley's win as their victory calling him a longtime supporter. 

ADOPT A MEDICAID'er

The Paterson-Foley budget that passed in April helps put 1 in 5 New Yorkers on Medicaid in five years. 

A New York Post editorial today says the state is spending an additional $2 million this fiscal year to streamline Medicaid applications including the eliminations of fraud detection methods such as fingerprinting, interviews and eligibility testing.  The editors want you to consider this:

The average Medicaid recipient gets about $12,500 in benefits; state and local taxpayers foot 20 percent of that bill, or about $2,500. And the average New York taxpayer forks over about $4,000 per year to Albany.

Which means, roughly, that each Medicaid recipient has his personal taxpayer.

Expanding the program is madness. But the way Albany is going, before long, every New Yorker will be on Medicaid.

FOLEYS LIPA HIKE COMING YOUR WAY?

While LIPAs recent rate reduction was welcoming news for many, keep in mind that Senator Foley voted to raise utility rates in this years state budget.  Heres an article in today's New York Post showing how Con Ed is already starting to pass it on to ratepayers. 

FOLEY VOTED FOR THE PAYROLL TAX

When will Newsday report it?

Newsday  has yet to report that Senator Foley voted YES on a payroll tax in the Transportation Committee that would cost Long Island schools $23 million.

C'mon Newsday, either you're being scammed or you're covering for this guy.  His school district officials, constituents and the taxpayers want to know if he's opposed to the payroll tax then why did he vote YES on it?

FOLEYS FLIP FLOP FOLLIES

The New York Times is reporting today that Governor Paterson made a "secret" proposal this week "to have the state give money to school districts to cover the cost of a new payroll tax

Huh?

So he's going to make school districts go through the administrative nightmare of budgeting and submitting taxes to the state just so they can get it back and re-budget it again?  Don't school districts have enough to do? 

Senator Foley's flip-flopping is catching on in Albany.

Remember when Senator Foley sponsored a rally to oppose the payroll tax but then didn't show because he was for it? 

But then, he said he was "dead set against it."

Then he voted for it in committee. 

Then, he said he would vote against it. 

By the way, Foley Watch looked into Foley's YES vote in the Transportation Committee wondering what would have happened to the payroll tax bill if Foley had voted no. 

The answer?  Absolutely nothing. 

If Foley had voted no, the bill still would have advanced to the Finance Committee.  So, ask Senator Foley if he's truly opposed to the payroll tax, why didn't he vote against it just so he can give his school districts and taxpayers assurance that he's not lying to us. 

Foley Watch is warning its readers and the press to pay close attention to the Governor's plan on Foleys payroll tax because if you think this is a smoke-screen, you're probably right.  Wheres the assurance that the schools would actually get this money back, keeping mind that reports are already showing that the MTA will be in further trouble next year and once the federal stimulus money runs out, the states budget problems will be back and more severe.  Thats when theyll decide to keep the school payroll tax money.

And we havent even touched upon the fact that theres no secret plan to give small businesses their payroll tax back.  It can be guaranteed that the payroll tax will be a last straw for some businesses and doors will be shut placing more workers on the unemployment line.

Foley Watch is getting tired of Foleys flip-flops.  In just three short months in Albany, he has voted to raise taxes, tax schools, and eliminate the STAR Rebate Check.  (Oh, please dont forget that classic flip-flop when he voted to take away the check but then came up with a plan to give it back.)

FOLLOWING FOLEY'S PAYROLL TAX 

Senator Foley, who once said he was "dead set against a payroll tax" voted YES on the bill in Senate Transportation Committee yesterday.  Today, the Daily News blog says the bill moved from the Finance Committee to the Rules Committee, bringing it one step away from the Senate Floor.  Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith, Senator Foley's boss, said he'll do whatever it takes to bail out the MTA and that includes taxing school children.  Again, Foley Watch asks why Senator Foley didn't vote NO on the bill as he said he would.  Will he pull the same stunt he tried when he voted to eliminate the STAR rebate check, then two weeks later, held a press conference to reinstate it?  (In fact, Newsday's Spin Cycle poll calls Foley's program a "lunge for self promotion."  You can vote for it here.) 

Will he vote to tax schools and small businesses to bail out the MTA then introduce a plan to not tax them?

DEMOCRAT LEADERS WILL DO

ANYTHING FOR MTA BAILOUT 

By Senator Foley voting to allow the MTA payroll tax to pass in the Senate Transportation Committee yesterday, he has dangerously allowed it one step closer to becoming law.  His boss, Majority Leader Malcolm Smith has told the New York Times that passing the MTA bill is "not about the merits."  That means taxing Long Island and other NYC suburban schools and small businesses is totally fine with him.

Be sure to thank Senator Foley for going back on his word. (See below for his original quote saying he was dead-set against the payroll tax.)

FOLEY VOTES TO TAX SCHOOLS

Sources have told Foley Watch that Senator Foley voted AYE-Without Recommendation on the MTA Payroll Tax in the Senate Transportation Committee today.  This means hes avoiding an official position on the bill but allowing it to advance anyway.  Senator Foley's payroll tax would cost school districts in Suffolk County approximately $11,000,000 - a cost that will passed directly on to the taxpayers.

Like every school official and small business owner, Foley Watch is wondering why Brian Foley didnt vote NO especially since he went on the record with the Daily News he was dead-set against a payroll tax as seen here:

Sen. Brian X. Foley, a Suffolk County Democrat told the DN's Glenn Blain this morning that he will not support any payroll tax. Period. End of story.

Theres a tenuous connection in Suffolk County between businesses and the MTA and for them to have the same payroll tax as would a business in Manhattan that has far greater benefit to the MTA and to transit, I think it makes it unfair, Foley said.

Foley said he believes the MTA - not the Senate - has the burden and responsibility to come up with other sources of revenue.

Theyre practicing brinksmanship and I am the wrong person to be practicing brinksmanship with, the freshman Democrat said. They are trying to create a false choice between payroll tax or exorbitant increases in rates.

As Foley Watch has reported before, Senator Foley had originally planned a school district rally to protest the payroll tax when it was first proposed but after his Majority Leader found about it, he was a no-show.  School district officials were outraged and sent out this flyer urging people to write to Senator Foley to vote against kids funding a metropolitan transit system.

Foley Watch suggests to its readers and the press that before they call Brian Foleys office to ask him why he didnt vote to protect the taxpayers as he had promised, call any school district in Foleys communities and find out how many teachers would be let go to subsidize this new tax? 

CANTOR: FOLEY LET LONG ISLAND BURN

Foley Watch found this one on the Long Island Business News blog.  Marty Cantor wonders if Senator Foley was promised the Brooklyn Bridge in exchange for his support of the worst state budget for Long Island in state history.  He further states that Foley and Senator Craig Johnson's  plan to reinstate the Rebate Check (scroll down for more info) gives hurting Long Islanders a "false impression."

FOLEY FRIENDS TAKING TRIP AROUND THE WORLD

YET WE CAN'T GO TO THE BEACH

Long Island's most beautiful state parks including Heckscher, Robert Moses and Jones Beach are seeing major cutbacks this season as a result of the bad budget Senator Foley fully supported.  These cuts come at a time when people are cutting back on big vacations  because they're losing jobs and need to save.  In case you missed it, here's a story that Foley Watch caught not only in the papers but on a number of TV stations of a Senator in Nassau calling upon the Governor to reinstate the cuts to the Parks during these times.  It seems that one of the items that Senator Foley approved in the budget is a $1 billion pot of money that can be used at the Governor's discretion.  Foley Watch is unaware of any correspondence to the Governor by Senator Foley asking for him to use this money to save our summer weekend getaways. 

But, it gets worse or absurd, depending on how you look at it.  Senator Foley's Democrats in the State Senate think it's an appropriate time to take a class trip around the world.  Foley Watch is wondering if Senator Foley will be joining the field trip.  Were all scratching our heads on this one.  If there were awards for quotes, it would have to go to Dean Skelos for his response in the article.

GOV & SILVER SAY FOLEY PLAN MISSED ITS CHANCE

The Foley Watch  called it right.  Newsday  reports today that Foley's plan to reinstate the STAR Rebate Check after he voted it out of the budget earlier this month, wont happen.  The Governor said he made an offer to reinstate the rebate checks before the budget was passsed and they couldnt come up with anything.  Foley also voted against a Repbulican amendment to bring back the checks.  Read the article here.

STILL WAITING FOR FOLEYS REFORM

Brian had promised to reform Albany  but heres the verdict of the plan he helped craft with the Senate Democrats.

NEWSDAY CALLS FOLEY TAX REBATE PLAN

A LUNGE FOR SELF-PROMOTION 

Newsday called Senator Brian Foley's plan to reinstate the Rebate Check he just voted out of the budget two weeks ago what it really is, a political stunt.  You can agree with that and send a message to Senator Foley to get real by voting here. 

The Foley Watch is watching the mailbox for the soon to be released Foley taxpayer funded campaign mailer touting his plan.

Meanwhile...  

DAILY NEWS EDITORIAL SAYS FOLEY BUDGET

HURTS COLLEGE KIDS MOST 

A Daily News editorial slams Foley's budget for hurting college students at SUNY and CUNY schools.  Here's a quote from it:

               "Forget the millionaires. The people who have been sucker-punched the hardest under New York's bloated, irresponsible budget are the families whose children are enrolled in the state university."

 IF YOU'RE NOT ROLLING YOUR EYES, YOU SHOULD BE

The Foley Watch was amazed when Senator Foley sat on his hands during the Senate's budget vote as taxpayers were stripped of their Rebate checks .  He said only two words during the entire week of debates: YES to pass the budget and NO to oppose Republican Senators' amendments to reinstate the Rebate Check. 

So, yesterday he attends a press conference by a NYC democrat on a plan to bring back the Rebate Check after he killed it.  C'mon, Brian - this is getting silly at taxpayer expense.

Voters be warned.  This is nothing more than the groundwork for Senator Foley to talk about when he gets complaints to his office about the budget or when he's talking with hurting taxpayers in his district. 

 BRIAN FOLEY SPINS MIDDLE CLASS WORKING FAMILIES

Today, Brian Foley is holding a press conference in Central Islip to announce a proposal to help the middle class.  The Foley Watch has warned in the past that Brian will need to spin his way out of supporting the budget that hurts working middle class families by eliminating the STAR Rebate Check, taxing the average working family by $2,400, raises college tuition at local SUNY schools, raises utility rates, raises taxes on beer and wine, cuts millions in funding to our local state parks, and spends historic amounts of money despite an influx of federal stimulus money.

In Central Islip the average STAR Rebate check last year was $735.  The overall average rebate check in Senator Foleys district was $573.

This year, because more people are out of work, the average Central Islip rebate check would have risen to $893.  The overall average check in Senator Foleys district also would have risen to $675. 

So, we hope the press will ask the tough questions of how his plan will make up for the pain he already placed on the middle class.  By taking spending money out of peoples pockets, how will it help stimulate the economy especially in a working class community such as Central Islip?

FOLEY BUDGET RALLIES TEA PARTIES

Today is tax day and the citizens are revolting across Long Island and throughout the state and country.  The Foley Watch found this great online protest petition against the New York State Budget which Brian Foley fully supported.  You can send your message to Shelly Silver, David Paterson, Malcom Smith and Brian Foley here .

BRIAN SHOULD HAVE 'REVIEWED' THE BUDGET TOO

Newsday lets him off easy on major issue

Gov. Paterson has said hell send his gay marriage bill to the Assembly and Senate. Brian Foleys spokesperson told Newsday today that Brian would review the bill.  The reporter should have never let him off the hook so easily.  The gay marriage issue is pretty cut and dry and all eyes are on the Senate since the Democrats used this issue to help gain power this year.  Brian's district, as well as the rest of the State, deserves to know where he stands.

Did he lead the gay community on during the campaign?  They backed him big time with volunteers, fliers, mailers and ads.  Alan Van Capelle, Executive Director of the Empire State Pride Agenda called  Brian a long-standing supporter here:

"Every member of the Assembly who voted for marriage equality and transgender civil rights won their re-election," he said, adding that the second goal was to flip the New York state Senate by two seats in an attempt to put in a pro-gay rights majority.

"And I'm happy to say we replaced two longtime homophobic members of the state Senate with two long-standing supporters of our community." 

He was referring to Democrat Joseph Addabbo, who beat Republican Sen. Serphin Maltese in Queens, and Democrat Brian Foley, who beat Republican Sen. Caesar Trunzo on Long Island. Both Maltese and Trunzo publicly opposed gay marriage.

The Foley Watch wonders why Brian Foley didnt take more time to "review" the budget bill he supported earlier this month that brings record spending and tax increases, eliminates the STAR Rebate Check, and raises utility rates  among other things.

BRIAN'S PAYROLL TAX STILL ON THE TABLE

Taxpayers and school officials shouldn't let up the pressure on Senator Foley to vote against a payroll tax that would cost our schools alone over $20 million not including an unestimated number of small business owners who would be forced to shut their doors.  The MTA has said their defecit has grown again and they're begging Albany for relief.  See the New York Times article about it here.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli called himself a "middle class guy" but another $47,000 would have made him a rich man according to Brian's vote on the income tax hike.

THE CHECKS NOT IN THE MAIL!

Q-Poll: VOTERS ANGRY OVER ELIMINATION OF STAR REBATE

A Quinnipiac University poll just released shows that Voters disapprove 70 - 22 percent of [the] decision to eliminate property tax rebates from the state budget.  This after Majority Leader Malcolm Smith said that the checks were so small "some people didn't even realize they get STAR rebate money."  See the entire poll here.

A more personal reaction was in this letter to Newsday today:

Seniors will miss STAR checks

Does Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-St. Albans), the majority leader, actually think that the impact of losing our STAR rebate checks is so minor that "some people didn't even realize they get STAR rebate money" ["How budget hurts LI," News, April 6]?

Believe me, we senior citizens living on Long Island not only realize it, we need those checks. I put the money toward paying my next property tax bill, as I'm sure many other seniors did, too, considering the obscenely high property taxes we pay here. Now this rebate check has been taken away, making it that much harder for struggling senior citizens on Long Island and elsewhere in New York State to keep our heads above water.

Ana D. Cruz

Valley Stream

So, we again ask Brian Foley what how does pulling $370 million off Long Island help stimulate our economy?  How does your YES vote on the worst state budget in the states history that delivers the highest taxes and fees during the worst economic times in most lifetimes help businesses create jobs?

LARRY LEVY SAYS FOLEY'S SENATE DEMOCRATS WILL BE BACK TO RAISE MORE TAXES

Remember when Larry Levy was one of Newsday's liberal and most favorite Republican-bashing columnists?  Here's what he had to say about the state budget: 

The budget  if not a disaster now  is one waiting to happen. Even with the billions of dollars of stimulus money crammed into every line, even after raising billions of dollars in new tax revenues and saving billions more in cuts to health care, the state is likely to end the next fiscal year in an ocean of red ink. It's all but inevitable that the Democrats will have to return to Albany to do more cutting or taxing before the year is out.

   -  Lawrence C. Levy, Executive Director of the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University

Read the rest of his column A Fine Mess For Democrats in the Albany Times Union here.

This comes in addition to NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli saying the budget Foley voted for is a bad budget, and now Attorney General Andrew Cuomo agrees as seen here.

WARNINGS WERE CALLED 'SCARE TACTICS'

BUT THE NIGHTMARE HAS COME TRUE

A recent quote from the past...

While Republicans say a Democratic Senate takeover would hurt Long Island, Richard Schaffer, Suffolk Democratic chairman, said such talk is just scare tactics. He said Democratic senators like Foley and Nassau's Craig Johnson will join other suburban Democrats "who can act as a pivot between Republicans and Democrats to make sure the suburbs get taken care of."

   - Newsday, October 12, 2008

So, the Foley Watch and suburban taxpayers especially in Foley's district, are asking why Brian Foley voted for  a budget which Newsday headlines as Critics: New State Budget is Bad for Long Island stating "The budget's widest impact will come this fall when homeowners don't receive STAR property-tax rebate checks for the first time since 2006." and
"The budget doesn't address the region's top priority: reining in property taxes."  Read the article here.

The fact is that the only thing Brian Foley uttered during the entire week of debates in the Senate was his "YES" vote.  We know he was there because we found this video on You Tube where he's seen here sitting next to Long Island's Senator Ken LaValle during a plea to restore the STAR Rebate checks.  

 We guess Brian played it safe during budget debates by keeping silent.  Here's one great example found on You Tube of a democratic State Senator who couldn't answer education budget questions by Long Island's Senator John Flanagan without the help of a staffer (it's sadly humorous to watch.)

While Governor Patersons poll numbers tank and his own party grumbles behind the scenes and threaten to endorse another Democrat for a 2010 run, Foley has stood by Patersons side and rubber-stamped his budget. 

FOLEY TAKES CREDIT FOR "SHAPING "

WORST STATE BUDGET EVER

Editors at Foley Watch had knee-slapping belly laughs when they were tipped off about Brian Foley holding a Reporter Roundtable discussion at noon in his district office on Friday, April 3 about how he helped shape the state budget.

 Were not kidding, folks.  Our Senator Foley is going to take credit for shaping the most disastrous state budget in the states history.  We expected spin but not this.

Questions that reporters should ask:

1)      Why would you shape a budget that passes the biggest tax hike in state history with $8 billion in new taxes on everything from beer to income taxes?

2)      Why would you shape a budget that has a 10% spending increase during the worst economic recession in decades?

3)      You say you shaped the budget yet, sources say that you never once stood on the Senate floor to answer questions about it?  How come?

4)      Why did you shape a budget that was the most secretly negotiated in generations?

5)      Since you call yourself a reformer, why didnt you demand that there be open budget meetings with the press and public?

6)      Why did you allow for the STAR Rebate Check to be eliminated from the budget which will remove $370 million from the taxpayers on Long Island?

7)      How does taking away Rebate Check spending money boost the local economy and create jobs?

8)      As Chairman of the Banks Committee and at a time when homeowners in your district and throughout the state are losing their homes to foreclosures, why were you not be behind those closed doors with the three men in the room protecting them? 

9)      Why would you not consider re-shaping the budget after newspaper editorials and articles on Long Island and throughout the state continue to blast the budget as the worst tax raising, debt creating budget in years?

10)  Why would you not object to having three men from New York City create this budget especially since you are a member of the Senate Suburban Caucus?

Foley Watch has said it before, C'mon Brian, get real!

ELIMINATING STAR REBATE STIMULATES AN ECONOMY?

C'MON BRIAN, GET REAL!

Its time to get on the phone and ask Brian Foley how eliminating the STAR Rebate Check will stimulate Long Islands economy. 

He is expected to rubber-stamp the Senate Democrats budget very soon that among millions in tax hikes and service cuts, it eliminates the Rebate Check that Long Islanders have come to count on year after year.  Dont forget, when the original STAR program was instituted, homeowners never saw their actual savings because school districts took it as an opportunity to raise taxes.  So instead, the legislature voted to bypass the schools and send taxpayers their rebates directly.  That meant year after year, working families, senior citizens and all hardworking taxpayers could count on a few hundred bucks in their pockets to pay for clothes, food, a weekend getaway, or whatever they chose to spend it on.

But now, it will be gone.  So, ask Brian Foley, How does eliminating $370 million dollars from Long Islanders pockets help stimulate Long Islands economy.

Newsdays Joye Brown, agrees: With STAR rebates gone, it's time to get real

NEWSDAY WARNS FOLEY

"Long Island's two Democratic senators, Craig Johnson of Port Washington and Brian Foley of Blue Point, have an opportunity here to be the real leaders by halting this budget. In their chamber, one vote does mean something, and they should use theirs to stand up for responsible government. Voters will hold them accountable for their decisions on this fraudulent plan." 

            -   Newsday Editorial, April 1, 2009

LIA'S OPEN LETTER TO FOLEY 

"With personal respect, your stated reasons for voting in favor of this budget make no sense."

               -   LIA PRESIDENT MATT CROSSON

To read Matt Crosson's open letter to Senators Brian Foley and Craig Johnson, click here

CROSSON & CANTOR TELL FOLEY TO DO HIS JOB!

What I want to know is where is Senator Foley and where is Senator (Craig) Johnson.  The city is ripping us off.

-         Martin Cantor, director of Dowling Colleges economic and social policy institute

You can see the rest of the Long Island Business News blog  Crosson: State budget is a disaster where Cantor and LIA President Matt Crosson call for Brian Foley to do his job and vote against the budget because it will crush the economy and negatively affect tens of thousands of Long Islanders, including thousands of small businesses.

But Foley Said he'd fight for Suburban Taxpayers

And what the press is saying now...

The recent fight over control of the Senate raised fears about dominance by city Democrats.  Those fears may well be coming true.

          -      Newsday Editorial, March 31, 2009

When Will Foley Say Something?

While the Foley Watch has its eyes out on Brian Foley, we havent heard him say a thing about the madness in Albany.

After touting himself as the reformer of Brookhaven, Brian Foley hasnt uttered a word about Albany's most secret budget negotiation in decades. In fact, Foley's silence helped turned back years of progress to make the negotiations transparent and public.

As a result, the state budget stinks for Long Island and Foleys district.  Taxpayers, and especially senior citizens and working families can kiss their Tax Rebate Checks goodbye. 

Plus, while Foley and Governor Paterson said federal stimulus funding would save Long Island schools, according to Newsday, this budget reduces Long Islands share of school aid funding from 13% to 5%.  But, dont be surprised.  Brian has already shown he doesn't care about school taxpayers and students.  When asked to speak out at two separate rallies this past month demanding Long Island schools get a fair share of state aid and not be hit with a payroll tax, he was not only silent, he didnt he bother to attend.

But the Foley Watch can only assume Brian Foley has a secret strategy.  Perhaps he feels that reducing Long Islands school aid protect children in the long run.   Without a quality education, they wont get good high-salaried jobs which means theyll never be affected by his higher income tax plan.  Now we understand!

ALL WOMEN SHOULD BE OUTRAGED!

The following are quotes from Brian Foleys press release when his candidacy for State Senate was proudly endorsed by women community leaders and advocates for victims of domestic abuse.

In these uncertain times, I need Brian in Albany fighting for women alongside me.

-     Assemblywoman Ginny Fields

 After almost 40 years, women of Long Island are hungry for a representative who will fight for them, not against them.

-         Reina Schiffrin, President/CEO, Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic Action Fund    

We are looking towards a bright future with Brian Foley, and women voters of this District are joining together today to make that happen.

-         Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Connie Kepert

The Foley Watch is calling on the above women officials and advocates for women and victims of domestic who endorsed Brian Foley for Senate to speak out once again.  They must demand Brian Foley ask Senator Hiram Monseratte to step aside until his domestic abuse indictment and court case is settled.

Senator Monseratte was recently indicted for allegedly attacking his girlfriend with a broken glass in a violent scene, some of which was caught on video tape.  This type of crime in addition to the abuse of children is among the lowest levels of crimes by any person, especially an elected official.  Everything from his credibility and especially his vote on crime bills and domestic violence issues can be challenged.

Women and advocates were promised by Brian Foley that he would be their voice in Albany especially since a 2007 report by the Department of Criminal Justice Services cited that Suffolk County ranked one of the highest among large counties for the rate of domestic violence murders.

Women should tell Brian Foley that his silence on this issue is an insult to all young girls and women leaders of tomorrow as well as single mothers, working mothers, and especially victims of domestic abuse.

But wait. perhaps Foley is satisfied with Malcolm Smiths decision to strip Monseratte of his position as Chairman of the Senate Consumer Protection Committee.  Women are consumers, right?  So I guess Brian feels all is good for now.

More amazing is Foleys Democrat colleagues are now putting together a special fund to help pay for Monserattes legal fees.  Are you outraged yet?  Brian doesnt seem to be.

While the editors of Foley Watch believe in innocence until proven guilty, every vote Senator Monseratte casts on crime and domestic violence issues can be questioned.  His credibility as a Senator and the credibility of the Senate Democratic Party itself which Brian Foley is a proud card-holding member, is weakened by his so called oath to all women and residents of  New York State including those in the 3^rd Senate district.

                                                       FOLEY: Cant Hide!

The Foley Watch just received a copy of a flier circulating quickly across Long Island. Anybody want to make a bet he keeps his promise to Malcolm Smith and votes to tax our schools so NYC Democrats can bail out the MTA?

Click here!

                                                    FOLEY: Tax the Schools!

Senator Brian X. Foley (D-Blue Point) recently sponsored a grassroots school rally opposing the MTA payroll tax because it would cost our school districts $25 million a year and our businesses even more. But, when his boss from NYC, Majority Leader Malcolm Smith, said he needed Brians vote to tax our schools so he could bail out the MTA, Foley turned his back on taxpayers and school districts and was a NO-SHOW at his OWN rally. Disbelief and disgust was rampant in the crowd.

Foley gave the following reason for supporting the MTA payroll tax: We've already seen a substantial decrease in the amount of payroll tax proposed. This indicates that our negotiations are leading us toward the right direction.

The substantial decrease he refers to still hits our schools $20 million in NYC taxes. Such savings! And, the right direction he refers too is suburban tax dollars going right to NYC. The last we checked, school children dont use mass transit, so why should they be bailing it out?

Call Brian Foleys office at 631-360-3356. Tell him to stop taxing our schools and stop taxing US!