Assemblymember John Zaccaro - 2024 Legislative Recap

 

I'm thrilled to be back home in The Bronx for the summer! The 2024 legislative session is officially in the books, and it was a busy year in Albany.     

During the 2024 session I introduced 21 bills, co-sponsored 189 bills and 45 resolutions and introduced 2 resolutions.  Two of my bills passed the Senate and Assembly and await further action by the Governor. One bill of these bills, A9520 permits New York to revoke or suspend the tobacco, cigarette, liquor or lottery license was included in the final 2024 state budget! 

Illegal smoke shops now risk the suspension or revocation of their licenses if they're found to sell or possess illegal cannabis 

While this was a major legislative accomplishment our fight against illegal smoke shops is not over and I am proud to lead the way. We will not stop our work, whether in halls of the Capitol or in the streets of The Bronx, to rid our communities of illegal cannabis. 

Bill Passed ⇒ Requires the installation of smoke detectors in common spaces of multiple dwellings

Existing law did not require smoke detectors in common places of residential dwellings, only in the individual units. This bill changes that. 

Smoke detectors save lives, and their presence brings peace of mind to occupants of residential buildings who know they will be warned if a fire breaks out. An operable smoke detector must be installed in an individual's unit under the existing law but there is no requirement that they are placed in common places. 

This commonsense bill to increase the presence of smoke detectors unanimously passed the Assembly 

I am proud that the Assembly passed my bill A5730B, which requires that at least one operable smoke detector is installed in common spaces accessible to all residents. Passing this bill will prevent loss, broken lives and more fire-related tragedies. This was the first bill that I introduced as a Member of the State Assembly and I'm proud that it passed in the Senate, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey. The bill now awaits further action by the Governor.

Bill Passed ⇒ Extends ability for HPD to provide low-interest loans for affordable housing rehabilitation

The Assembly passed A12018, which will extend for three additional years the ability of the City of New York to restructure rents in multiple dwellings that receive Article 8-A rehabilitation loans. 

This bill is important because rent restructuring is an essential tool ensuring that monthly costs and debt service payments will continue to be paid which will prevent the abandonment of residential buildings. I'm proud it has also passed the Senate and awaits further action by the Governor. 

If you have any questions about these bills, or any bills I sponsor, please contact my Albany office at (518) 455-5844 and ask to speak with Justin. 

2024 Alba Life School Festival and Graduation Resolution

Welcoming the remarkable team from Alba Life School to the Assembly Chamber 

It is always a pleasure to recognize individuals who are making incredible contributions to the 80th Assembly District and The Bronx. On May 22nd, I welcomed Mr. Qemal Zylo and his wife, Kozeta Zylo, founders of Albanian TV and School “Alba Life,” along with several teachers and administrators to Albany where I introduced a legislative resolution Commemorating the 2024 Alba Life School's Festival and Graduation. 

When the Zylo's migrated to New York from Albania, they recognized the importance of creating outlets for the Albanian-American community to stay connected with their heritage.

“Alba Life," founded 17 years ago, has expanded its Albanian language learning program across all neighborhoods in New York. Their programs focus not only on teaching the Albanian language but also the history, culture, dance, and songs from various regions of Albania and Kosovo. Joining me in Albany from Alba Life were:

1. Qemal Zylo, Founder and Director of Albanian TV and School “Alba Life”
2. Kozeta Zylo, Founder, Coordinator and Teacher at Alba Life
3. Dr. Valbona Zylo Watkins, Director of Curriculum
4. Klodiana Zylo, Vice President of Alba Life
5. Entela Muda, Teacher
6. Rozeta Hyseni, Teacher
7. Fatlinda Gashi, Teacher
8. Erinda Isufaj, Teacher
9. Albana Lazri, Teacher
10. Mehrije Shala, Outreach Coordinator
11. Valon Getbeshi, Alba Life TV Journalist and Cameraman

It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child and it was an honor to recognize some of the key members of the Alba Life community and thank them for their hard work.

Looking Ahead to Next Year

These past two years in Albany I have learned a lot during my first term in the State Assembly and I have never forgotten my neighbors, friends, and fellow Bronxites who I am honored to represent in Albany. It is a privilege to be your voice in Albany and I am eager to build upon our successes for next year!