The Long Island Lobby Coalition formed in 2009 in response to political chaos in Albany that put politics first and public service second. The groups in the growing coalition represent over 50 Long Island businesses, environmental groups, civics, human services, Smart Growth planners, labor groups and transportation advocates. Lead members include:

AARP
American Communities Institute at Dowling College
Citizens Campaign for the Environment
Empire State Future
Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce
Long Island Business Council
Long Island Federation of Labor
Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Long Island Software and Technology Network
Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce
Tri-State Transportation Campaign
Vision Long Island

In 2012, the coalition updated their platform to include five critical issue areas. They are "Transportation," "Energy and Environment," "Sewage & Infrastructure," "Small Business, Jobs & Economic Development," and "Human Services." In their fourth year, over 50 organizations signed onto the coalition's platform and over 30 groups attended the annual Lobby Day in Albany.

The 2012 Long Island Lobby Day

The 2012 Long Island Lobby Day began with a meeting with all nine Long Island Senators; Dean Skelos, Ken LaValle, Owen Johnon, John Flanagan, Charles Fuschillo, Kemp Hannon, Lee Zeldin, Jack Martins, and Carl Marcellino. Under the leadership of CCE's Executive Director and Vision Long Island, the group presented their platform and received positive feedback. From there, the group met with several Assembly members in a meeting hosted by Assemblyman Sweeney. Assembly members the group met with included; Joseph Saladino, Fred Theile, Michelle Schimel, Michael Fitzpatrick, Al Graf, Andrew Raia, Dan Losquadro, Dean Murray, Phil Boyle. The group also met with Senate Minority Leader Sampson and Assembly Speaker Silver. The coalition ended the day with a meeting with the Governor's staff.

In 2012, several hot issues on the platform included sewage infrastructure funding and the Sewage Pollution Right to Know Act, a push for renewable energy, and continued commuter transit benefits. New research out of the American Communities Institute at Dowling College provided a solid list of action items suggested by small businesses. Read the coalition's full 2012 Platform.

The group has one formal annual meeting in Albany, but member organizations continue throughout the year to advocate for specific agenda items. The coalition looks forward to working with Long Island's elected leaders to move these issues to the forefront over the next few months. Advancing these keystone issues will allow us to protect the Long Island that we love while ensuring that we continue to move forward with smart planning and renewable energy.

The Coalition has had several significant victories:

1. The Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Policy Act was signed into law in August 2010. This legislation will help prioritize infrastructure investments in town centers and existing downtowns. The Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Priority Act (A8011B/S5560B) instructs State agencies, authorities, and public corporations to align their spending on infrastructure with stated Smart Growth criteria. Many of these agencies must form advisory committees that include environmental and community stakeholders in order to advise them on public infrastructure investments in accordance with Smart Growth principles. The agencies are further instructed to issue written Smart Growth Impact Statements in regard to their project choices, which includes providing justifications for projects deemed vital that do not meet Smart Growth criteria. It "requires such infrastructure investments, to the extent practicable, to meet the criteria."
2. The Child Safe Playing Fields Act (A. 7937a –Englebright / S. 4983a –Foley) was signed into law in May 2010. Pesticides are used outdoors at most schools in New York State, even with no evidence of need. To help protect our kids, this legislation bans non-essential pesticides on outdoor school grounds in schools K-12 and daycare facilities. The growing body of peer reviewed scientific evidence indicates that pesticide exposure can lead to serious long-term and short-term adverse health impacts, especially for children. There is clear science showing that pests and weeds can be successfully managed with readily available and affordable non-toxic alternatives.
3. Complete Streets (S.5411 – Fuschillo / A.8366 – Gantt): In 2011, legislators signed a law making NY's Streets Greener and Safer with Complete Streets. The Complete Streets legislation will encourage the design of roads that promote safe access for walking and biking in local communities. The bill is essential to creating smarter, more sustainable communities, encouraging alternative modes of transportation, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, and preventing pollution.

Updated by tbono 2/17/12