POUGHKEEPSIE – The Republican minority in the Dutchess County Legislature says they are being shut out of debate by the Democratic majority. The claim stems from a GOP-authored resolution supporting a bill in the State Senate and Assembly that would provide temporary relief on utility bills for residents across New York. The Senate version of the bill is sponsored by Senator Rob Rolison (R-Poughkeepsie), who previously served as the chairman of the Dutchess County Legislature.
The Republicans say Legislature Chairwoman Yvette Valdés Smith refused to place the resolution on the May agenda for consideration.
The resolution, if passed, would indicate that the full legislature supports the one-year utility tax and surcharge holiday and the two-year green energy tax holiday identified in the state legislation. “These measures are designed to provide immediate and meaningful financial relief to residents facing rising energy costs,” said Minority Leader Mike Polasek. “Families across Dutchess County are feeling the impact of high utility bills. This proposal offers a practical way to put money back in people’s pockets and ease the burden on households.”
Valdés Smith gave a different perspective, telling Mid-Hudson News, “I didn’t put it on the agenda, because it’s a bad bill. Period.” The Democratic leader continued her justification, adding, “This is nothing more than a Trojan horse for big business that will benefit datacenters and mega-corporations on the backs of ordinary taxpayers. It’s zero surprise that the minority is interested in supporting this bill to save money for the companies and big donors that have been propping up their party for years.”
The Putnam County Legislature recently passed a memorializing resolution in support of the state legislation.
Committee meetings of the Dutchess County Legislature are scheduled for Thursday, May 7, at 5:30 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers at 22 Market Street in Poughkeepsie. The public is allowed to attend.
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