Caribbean American New York State Senator Malcolm A. Smith has made a rebound from a coup d’etat orchestrated by his former colleagues in the New York State Legislature and with the growing support of his constituents in Southeast Queens, the lawmaker appears not to be surrendering to recent legal charges, as he continues to execute plans in the interest of his Queens’ community.
Among Smith’s stretch of recent winnings, he noted, are brimming accomplishments including the 2013-2014 NYS Budget, extending funding and services to designated areas in the 14th Senate district.
In view of a slow moving economic recovery, Smith imports good news of a minimum wage increase of $8.00 an hour by Dec. 31, an $8.75 increase by Dec. 31, 2014 to $9.00 an hour on Dec. 31, 2015.
“Raising the minimum wage slowly eases the burden on small businesses and allows them to account for the rising cost of their employees’ salaries over a longer period of time,” expressed Smith.
Smith’s plan allocates $3 million to Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE).
Surprisingly, the 755 public libraries aiding 19 million people received an increased in funding. The Executive Budget proposed $81.63 million in funding, however, the Senate and Assembly supplemented $4 million for the 2013-14 Enacted Budget, according to Smith.
Crucial allotments are an additional $1.62 million for Charter School Transition Aid, reaching a sum of $36.22 million, and pre-kindergarten full-day programs receiving $25 million. “This money is intended to expand existing pre-k programs and establish new programs for high need students in low wealth districts,” Smith stated.
