New York State Assemblywoman Sandy Galef - April 2013 Questionnaire Results

I received 695 responses to the Constituent Questionnaire on the back of my January Newsletter and I thank those of you who submitted these responses. I value your input, as it allows me to better address the pressing issues of today during the legislative process. Here are the percentage results for both yes and no responses:

Question In Favor Opposed 1. Many states in the U.S. have early voting opportunities to encourage greater voter participation. How would you feel about New York State allowing voters to cast a ballot up to a week or two before election day, which would include a Saturday and a Sunday? 425

64% 237

36% 2. Other states allow voters not registered with specific parties to participate in primary elections. Do you think New York should allow this? 331

49% 347

51% 3. Should we adopt a program which would impose a 5 cent fee for single use carry out bags at supermarkets and stores, revenue from which we would use to fund state parks and historic sites? 280

42% 380

58% 4. Many medical personnel, such as doctors and nurses, are afraid to apologize for an error or bad outcome regarding a patient because it can be used in lawsuits as an admission of guilt. Would you support a law that excludes such apologies as admissions of liability in medical malpractice lawsuits? 409

65% 220

35% 5. Should we extend the statute of limitations from five to ten years for victims of child sexual abuse to file claims against their abusers? 593

88% 82

12% 6. Some states maintain an automobile driver next-of-kin registry so that the next of kin are contacted if the driver is injured or killed in an automobile accident. Would you support legislation that would allow those obtaining a driver's license to provide the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles with emergency contact information in case he or she is injured in an automobile accident? 599

89% 71

11% 7. In light of the tragedy of Newtown, CT, do you believe the state needs to put in place additional measures regulating guns and ammunition? 457

69% 205

31%

The following are some of the comments on my survey that I received from constituents in relation to various issues:

Gun Control Comments

Ban private ownership of assault weapons

Ban large magazines/limit number of rounds

Enforce current laws

Go after criminals, not law abiding citizens

Tougher restrictions should be applied to hand guns

More extensive background checks

Ban or Tax assault weapons

Ban pistols

Ban ammunition for banned weapons

Longer wait periods for purchasing firearms

Strengthen registration procedures

All weapons must be kept in vault

Tougher sentences for gun related crimes

Station employee at school entrance, possibly with use of a buzzer system

Hunt down unregistered gun owners

Enforce registration/background checks at gun shows

No sales at gun shows

Strict licensing

Re-registration every year/periodically

Make purchase of guns public knowledge

Hunters cannot own more than 3 rifles or shotguns

Ban handguns

No more than 1 box of bullets per month per costumer

Ammunition should be registered when bought

Ammunition should be limited, and taxed

Register all firearms

Don't need more laws

New tax on buying guns

Alert police if gun owner has more than 1 gun

Restrict concealed weapons

More money and effort into mental health issues

Close gun show and private sale loopholes

Require higher level license for assault weapons and high-capacity magazines

Ban gun ownership for people with mental health issues

Institute background checks for purchases of ammunition

Ban individuals under 19 from purchasing guns

Limit number of guns private households can own

Improve databases of guns/gun owners across state agencies

Require fingerprinting of all gun buyers

Limit gun and ammunition purchases as much as possible

Restrict sale of ammunition to specifically licensed entities (NOT sporting goods stores)

Limit gun purchases to 1 per year

Stricter punishment for gun trafficking

Restrict hunting within one mile of public space, including in the Adirondacks

Early Voting Constituent Comments

Only when necessary to alleviate long lines

Could possibly offer more flexibility

Easier process encourages more participation

Must push online voting

Mail-Use the L.A. Model

Voting opportunities should be made possible to the aged and home-bound

Crucial in obtaining votes from isolated groups

Could create more voter fraud

Don't trust ability to "warehouse" ballot

It's the voter's obligation to make the effort on Election Day

Voters should vote on only Election Day

If people want to vote they find the time

It is hard enough now to keep track of who has already voted

More room for voter fraud

Increases cost for poll workers

Might need significant clerical oversight to control

Plastic Bag Tax Constituent Comments

No plastic bags at all

Use paper bags for packing

Should be $0.25

If the money actually went where it should go

Food expenses are already enough

Statute of Limitations for Victims of Child Sexual Abuse Constituent Comments