Participation in hunting is declining across New York State and much of the nation.

This not only has a dramatic impact on conservation funding but also a negative impact on state revenues. It is important that the state examine ways to both attract and retain hunters.

Expanding opportunities for hunters can help boost state revenue and aid the environment.

The issue of hunters “aging out” is well documented and it is important for New York State to do all it can to reverse this trend.

Expanding crossbow-hunting opportunities and loosening ambulatory hunting requirements would provide thousands of willing hunters the opportunity to continue pursuing their passion.

Current laws regarding ambulatory licenses, require that license holders need permanent assistance to qualify.

That being said, many hunters do not need assistance devices to complete daily activities but are unable to navigate a field or more rugged terrain without assistance.

This reality should be reflected when determining who qualifies for these privileges. If enacted, these proposals would help countless hunters.

In addition to retaining hunters, attracting new hunters is critical.

Lowering the hunting age has long been discussed as the primary way to get youth more engaged at a younger age.

While I do believe that reducing the big game hunting age to 12 would be helpful, hunter apprentice programs should also be examined.

Hunter apprentice programs have proven to be an extremely safe and effective way to introduce more youths to hunting in other states.

With the state facing a $6.1 billion deficit, I believe there is a tremendous opportunity to advance proposals that are positive for hunters as well as generate much needed license revenue and conservation dollars for the state.

I have shared these opinions with the Governor and colleagues in the legislature and will continue to advocate for their adoption.

Supporting hunting helps the environment, supports rural communities and provides license revenue for New York State.

As we continue to debate the new cashless bail law, I have received several questions regarding what specific changes took place and what crimes are no longer eligible for bail. (See list below.)

According to some estimates, approximately 90 percent of all crimes are no longer eligible for bail. Supporters note that it is necessary to address inequities in our criminal justice system and that the vast majority of offenders are not being accused of violent crimes.

As I have stated several times, there were serious concerns with certain aspects of our criminal justice system. I strongly believe that those accused of crimes should receive a speedy trial, as is mandated by the Constitution. The accused should not be forced to sit in jail for months awaiting trials and hearings over minor offenses because they cannot afford to pay a relatively small amount of bail. However, the answer should be investing in local court systems, not simply letting dangerous offenders run free.

Perhaps the new law’s biggest flaw is removing judicial discretion to consider “dangerousness” when determining bail. Judges must also opt for the least restrictive pretrial condition. Prohibiting bail and mandating that an offender be released back to the streets, when a judge or law enforcement believes they are a danger to the public is simply outrageous.

In addition, far too many crimes no longer qualify for bail. For your convenience, I have included a list of crimes, compiled by the State District Attorneys Association of crimes that no longer qualify for bail under the 2019 Criminal Justice Laws. I have also included several recent news stories from across the state discussing the impact that these laws are having on communities.

Throughout my time in government, I have never seen an issue with such universal, bipartisan calls for reform, across every region of the state. This speaks volumes to me about the real need for change.

Sincerely, 

Mike Ranzenhofer

State Senator -- 61st District

Offenses that no longer qualify for bail in New York State

Source: the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York

• Assault in the third degree
• Aggravated vehicular assault
• Aggravated assault upon a person less than eleven years old
• Criminally negligent homicide
• Aggravated vehicular homicide
• Manslaughter in the second degree
• Unlawful imprisonment in the first degree
• Coercion in the first degree
• Arson in the third and fourth degree
• Grand larceny in the first degree
• Criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds or criminal possession of a firearm
• Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first and second degree
• Criminal sale of a controlled substance in the first and second degree
• Criminal sale of a controlled substance in or near school grounds
• Specified felony drug offenses involving the use of children, including the use of a child to commit a controlled substance offense and criminal sale of a controlled substance to a child
• Criminal solicitation in the first degree and criminal facilitation in the first degree
• Money laundering in support of terrorism in the third and fourth degree
• Making a terroristic threat
• Patronizing a person for prostitution in a school zone
• Promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child
• Possessing an obscene sexual performance by a child
• Promoting a sexual performance by a child
• Failure to register as a sex offender
• Obstructing governmental administration in the first and second degree
• Obstructing governmental administration by means of a self-defense spray device
• Bribery in the first degree
• Bribe giving for public office
• Bribe receiving in the first degree
• Promoting prison contraband in the first and second degree
• Resisting arrest
• Hindering prosecution
• Tampering with a juror and tampering with physical evidence
• Aggravated harassment in the first degree
• Directing a laser at an aircraft in the first degree
• Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree
• Criminal sale of a firearm to a minor
• Enterprise corruption and money laundering in the first degree
• Aggravated cruelty to animals, overdriving, torturing and injuring animals
• Failure to provide proper sustenance
• Animal fighting

Bail Changes in the News

https://nystateofpolitics.com/state-of-politics/new-york/ny-state-of-politics/2020/01/24/q-and-a--5-questions-surrounding-new-york-s-cash-bail-law

 https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/unintended-repercussions-of-bail-reform-in-the-city-of-tonawanda

 https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/ny-police-arrest-six-suspects-in-7m-drug-ring-judge-releases-them-without-bail

 https://wben.radio.com/articles/cash-bail-eliminated-for-people-accused-of-some-crimes

https://buffalonews.com/2019/12/16/state-bail-reform-law-draws-fire-from-local-towns/

 https://www.wamc.org/post/manslaughter-suspect-released-under-nys-criminal-justice-reform

 https://nypost.com/2020/01/13/every-day-brings-a-new-poster-boy-for-nys-disastrous-new-bail-law/

Submitted photo and press release:

State Senator Mike Ranzenhofer welcomed Thomas E. Feeley, corporal in the Marine Corps and Le Roy resident, to Albany to be inducted into the Veterans’ Hall of Fame it was announced today.

“Tom has dedicated his life to serving our country, through his military career, career in law enforcement and his service with the Le Roy Fire Department," Ranzenhofer said. "It is a privilege to be able to induct him into the Veterans’ Hall of Fame.”

Feeley was a corporal in the Marine Corps from 1990-1993, serving in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Afterward, he served as an elite Embassy Marine at the American Embassy Lusaka, Zambia, and the Consulate General Munich, Germany.

Following his military service, Corporal Feeley began his federal law enforcement career in 1996 in Miami. In 1998, he assisted in the opening of the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia.

After 9-11, he became a Federal Air Marshal in Atlanta, serving from 2002-2006. Corporal Feeley was a Course Developer/Instructor and Branch Chief at the Immigration and Customs Academy from 2006-2008, and was then promoted to Assistant Field Office Director in Salt Lake City, Utah.

In 2017, Feeley joined the Senior Executive Service and became Buffalo Field Office director, covering 48 of the 62 counties in New York State.

“I am honored to be recognized by the Senator," Feeley said. "My entire career and civilian life have been dedicated to public service in one way or another.

"I don’t have a lot of spare time, but I do have some time and I think that’s important. Just giving back to my community is enough for me, to be recognized for it on such a grand scale with my family present was an amazing experience.”

Feeley is a recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (with two bronze service stars), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon (with one bronze service star), Marine Security Guard Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia and Kuwait).

He also received the Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security’s Meritorious Service Silver Medal in 2016. This award recognizes “exceptional individual leadership that is distinguished by achievements of marked significance” and is the second highest award given by the Secretary.

Feeley is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Le Roy Rotary, Association of Rochester Police and Area Law Enforcement Retirees and Genesee County Criminal Justice Advisory Council. He is also an active member of the Le Roy Fire Department.

Submitted photo. David Little, left, president of the Rural Schools Association of New York State, presents the Appreciation Award to Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer during the 2016 RSA Conference in Cooperstown.

Press release:

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has announced today that he will host a round table discussion for breast cancer survivors at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30th, at the YWCA of Genesee County, 301 North St. in Batavia.

“The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester and I want to hear your story,” Ranzenhofer said. “Listening to the experiences of survivors is one way to support families here in our community who have been impacted by breast cancer. That is why it is so important for women to share their stories with us at the upcoming community round table.”

The two-hour program will be facilitated by the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR).

“No one needs go through breast cancer alone," said BCCR Executive Director Holly Anderson. "If you or a loved one receives a diagnosis of breast cancer, the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester is here to help. The Coalition offers education and support programs, as well as advocacy for those uninsured or underinsured.

"The Coalition is a full-scope, grassroots breast cancer organization serving survivors and families throughout the Finger Lakes Region of Central and Western New York. We can help you find resources in your own community.”

The purpose of the discussion is to learn more about the experiences of survivors during the diagnosis, including:
•    What happened when you were diagnosed with breast cancer?
•    What resources were you given?
•    Where did you turn for support?
•    What resources did you find in your community?
•    What do you wish you would have had access to at any point?

Family members impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis are welcome to attend. Due to limited seating, pre-registration is strongly encouraged. To pre-register, residents can contact the Coalition at (585) 473-8177.

Senator Ranzenhofer secured a $200,000 State grant in the 2015-16 Budget, administered by the State Department of Health, to increase outreach initiatives to individuals impacted by breast cancer and to provide expanded cancer services in our region. Some of the counties in Western New York have the highest rates of breast cancer in the State.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. In New York State alone, 14,000 new cases of breast cancer are reported each year.

About the BCCR
The Coalition’s mission is to provide support to those touched by a diagnosis of breast cancer, to make access to information and care a priority through education and advocacy, and to empower women and men to participate fully in decisions relating to breast cancer. Currently, the Coalition serves individuals in 10 counties, including: Monroe, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates. For more information, visit www.bccr.org.

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer will hold a State Budget Forum at Batavia City Hall from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 8. This forum is an opportunity for residents to let their voice be heard on the 2014-2015 State Budget in the State Capitol.

“Since the Governor released his Executive Budget proposal, I have been working with my colleagues in the State Senate and State Assembly to scrutinize and review all aspects of the plan. I want to hear residents’ thoughts on the budget plan, too, so that I can share their views with my colleagues,” Ranzenhofer said. ”That is why I hope that residents will join me this Saturday to hear an update on the State Budget, and participate in a discussion and question-and-answer session on important issues impacting our community.”

The forum marks the second opportunity for residents to express their views with their representative in State government, after hosting a Town Hall telephone conference live from the State Capitol with thousands of constituents on Feb. 26.

Senator Ranzenhofer encourages residents to get the facts on the 2014-2015 Executive Budget proposal by visiting ranzenhofer.nysenate.gov.

“In an effort to keep residents informed, I have added a new Budget Information Page at my Web site," Ranzenhofer said. "It allows residents to review specific details of the Executive Budget, stay up-to-date on new developments, and share your input on the budget plan. By working together, I am hopeful that a balanced budget plan can be developed in a timely manner to help New York State move in the right direction.”

Residents not able to attend the State Budget Forum can still share their input with Senator Ranzenhofer by sending an e-mail to ranz@nysenate.gov or contacting the district office at (585) 454-0322.

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer will sponsor a free car seat safety check from 10 a.m. to noon tomorrow at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, 165 Park Road in Batavia.

“Every parent knows installing a car seat can be difficult," Ranzenhofer said. "Certified technicians from local police agencies will be on hand to check your child’s car seat.

"I encourage all parents, as well as grandparents, to stop by to have their child’s car seat checked this Saturday morning. Even if you may think it has already been installed properly, it never hurts to double-check."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car seats decrease the risk of fatalities in cars by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for children, ages 1 to 4 years old. An inspection of 3,500 car seats in a study found that 72 percent were not correctly installed.

The program is being held in conjunction with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Le Roy Police Department and City of Batavia Fire Department.

“Many parents don't know the importance of having their child properly secured in a car seat to prevent serious injury if involved in a car crash," said Genesee County Sheriff Gary Maha. "This is a great opportunity for parents to learn how to properly install their child's car seat and there is no charge for this service."

Car seats are inspected on a first-come, first-served basis. An appointment is not necessary. Residents can contact Senator Ranzenhofer’s District Office at (716) 631-8695 for more information.