Controlled Spending, Lowered Taxes, and New Ethics Reform Measure

Throughout the 2016 Legislative Session, I have worked hard to enact new laws to improve the quality of life in our community and to help ensure that all Western New Yorkers have a better opportunity to succeed.  Progress has been made on a number of legislative initiatives at the recent conclusion of the 2016 Legislative Session.

A more equitable and regionally-balanced transportation funding plan has been approved.  Now, Upstate New York will not be shortchanged.  

Instead, our Western New York communities will receive the critical funding needed to complete important local bridge and road repair projects.  This funding will help to improve the condition of our infrastructure, while creating more jobs.

By fully eliminating the GEA budget cuts, and providing a record level of state aid to school districts, teachers and students will get the resources they need to succeed.  This important funding will help to alleviate pressure at the local level for property taxes. 

State spending growth has been controlled to less than two percent, which is crucial to protect residents from higher taxes.  

I advanced the passage of a major, new Middle Class Income Tax Cut, resulting in the lowest state income tax rates in 68 years.  This new $4.2 billion tax cut will benefit middle-class taxpayers, families and small businesses. 

This new income tax cut is only one of 78 different tax cuts passed over six years, saving over $11.3 billion.  The corporate tax rate is at its lowest level since 1968, and the tax rate for manufacturers has been reduced to a level not seen since 1917.  In addition, the property tax cap has stopped more than $15.3 billion in tax increases.

New landmark legislation has been enacted to combat heroin and opioid addiction.  These new laws will help to stem the tide of this epidemic and save lives by:
•    Enhancing insurance coverage for individuals seeking treatment and recovery services;
•    Expanding access to addiction treatment opportunities; and
•    Extending the length of time a person can receive these life-saving services.

Lastly, year after year, I have supported comprehensive reforms to promote integrity in government, ensure greater openness and transparency, and hold corrupt public officials accountable for their actions.

That is why I pushed for a Constitutional Amendment to strip pensions from elected officials convicted of corruption.  Those who betray the public trust should not be allowed to collect taxpayer-funded pensions.

Each one of these measures will help create a brighter and more prosperous future for residents in our community.  Even after the progress of the 2016 Legislative Session, there is still more work to be done.  I will be sure to keep you posted on my efforts.