By Mark Hallum
The New York League of Conservation Voters released its scorecard of state elected officials rating them on their work to pass environmental legislation and gave state Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Flushing) and state Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing) a score of 100 percent.
“New York’s environment and public health are under assault from a hostile federal government and we need our legislators to fight for robust protections. This scorecard is a reflection of who prioritized our environment and who put personal quarrels first. Unfortunately, legislative leaders often put partisan brinkmanship ahead of protecting their constituents this session and killed multiple bills that would have easily passed had they been given a floor vote,” Marcia Bystryn, president of the NYLCV, said “NYLCV will continue to fight for bills that failed to pass this session, including the prohibition on offshore drilling, requiring disclosure of toxic chemicals in children’s products, safe disposal of paint, and reducing plastic bag waste.”
Rozic currently serves on the Assembly’s Committees on Environmental Conservation, Ways & Means, Corporations & Authorities, Labor, and Correction. She has authored A1234, which requires the state Department of Transportation to disclose information on taxpayer-funded capital projects and is currently under committee review.
“It is more important than ever that our state legislators fight climate change and protect our natural resources,” Bystryn said in a separate statement. “This score of 100 percent recognizes Assembly member Rozic’s cooperation with her colleagues on legislation that would improve New York’s public and environmental health.”
Rozic is among 48 legislators who earned a perfect score of 100 percent and is among only two recognized in Queens along with Stavisky.
“I am proud to once again receive a perfect score from the New York League of Conservation Voters and look forward to our continued partnership in transforming New York to an environmentally friendly state. From access to clean water to our mass transit and economy, we are all impacted by the quality of our environment,” said Rozic. “I remain committed to introducing and supporting environmentally conscious legislation to build a more sustainable future.”
Stavisky also took pride in her perfect score.
“Scorecards like this are important in determining whether an elected official is living up to their promises,” she said. “With the many threats we are facing from Washington, it is important for the New York State Legislature to advocate for environmentally friendly causes and enact necessary legislation. I am proud to have received a perfect rating and look forward to returning to Albany and continue the fight for a cleaner New York.”
Legislator with high scores of 92 percent for their work in 2018 were state Sens. James Sanders Sanders (D-South Ozone Park), Tony Avella (D-Bayside) and Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans). Assembly members David Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows), Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills) and Aravella Simotas (D-Astoria) were also awarded 92 percent.
Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhall
