Empire Justice Center's Legislative Agenda 2009 - 2011: The Summer issue of the Legal Services Journal highlighted many legislative initiatives for 2009-2011 and provided a “Legislative Scorecard” on those initiatives with detailed articles on a broad array of issue areas. This article will review those initiatives and add to the Legislative Scorecard as we move into the New Year. Read More
Recent Legislative Memos
Empire Justice Memo of Support: Guard the Safety and Welfare of Abuse Victims and Their Children
July 12, 2010
Empire Justice urges the Governor to sign A.6195-A/S.2972-A into law, enhancing protections for abuse victims and their children. Read More
Empire Justice Center urges Governor to Sign Critical Anti-Hunger Bill
July 1, 2010
This critical bill directs the commissioner of education, in cooperation with the commissioner of health, to facilitate a program to coordinate the donation of excess unused edible food from schools’, universities’ or other educational institutions’ meal programs to voluntary food assistance programs. Read More
Recent Policy Letters
New Yorkers for Responsible Lending Letter to NY Senators on the Restoring American Stability Act of 2010
April 26, 2010
The Act must guarantee that federal laws and rules serve as a floor, rather than a ceiling preventing states from enacting strong laws in response to local conditions. Read More
Empire Justice Center Letter in Support of Allowing More Time to Pay Utility Arrears
August 6, 2009
A.7449/S.3638 would extend the time period for repaying utility assistance provided by local social services districts from one year to two years. Read More
Recent Comments
GRCRC Wants Stronger CRA Regulations
August 27, 2010
The Greater Rochester Community Reinvestment Coalition, convened by Empire Justice Center, urges federal agencies to strengthen and expand regulations governing the Community Reinvestment Act. Read More
GRCRC Asks Federal Regulators to Strengthen Mortgage Lending Data Regulations
August 13, 2010
To coordinate with hearings being held across the country, the Greater Rochester Community Reinvestment Coalition submitted comments to federal banking regulators asking them to expand the disclosure of mortgage lending data under HMDA. Read More
Recent Testimony
Empire Justice Center Testimony on the Role of Education and Training in the TANF Program
April 22, 2010
Testimony on the importance of access to education and training programs for welfare recipients. Read More
Empire Justice Center Testimony at the Executive Budget Hearing on Human Services
February 10, 2010
Testimony before the Joint Legislative Committees on human services in the 2010-2011 executive budget. Read More