Winner To Hold Local Meetings On Spitzer Budget

Elmira, N.Y.-- State Senator George H. Winner, Jr. (R-C, Elmira) reminded area residents that he will conduct a series of local informational meetings on Governor Eliot Spitzer’s 2007-08 state budget proposal later this week across the region.

Winner conducts the annual forums to give area residents an opportunity to get additional details on how the proposed state budget impacts area counties, as well as to give constituents a chance to share their own opinions and suggestions for budget priorities. In late January Spitzer unveiled an approximately $120 billion spending plan for the coming fiscal year.

"The Legislature’s fiscal committees have been closely reviewing the details of the governor’s proposals. I look forward to sharing some of this analysis with my constituents," said Winner, who is serving on a Senate subcommittee to review and develop recommendations on the "General Government/Local Assistance" portions of this year’s budget. "I also look forward to hearing directly from this region’s local leaders and concerned citizens. It’s important to determine if the scope of the governor’s plan offers the best way for our communities to move forward. This local input is critical to the upcoming state-level budget negotiations."

Winner’s 53^rd District includes all of Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Yates counties, and part of Tompkins County (the city of Ithaca, and the towns of Enfield, Ithaca, Newfield and Ulysses).

On Thursday, March 1, meetings will be held at the:

> Hazlett Building in Elmira (203 Lake Street), beginning at 9:00 a.m., with Assemblyman Tom O’Mara;

> Ithaca City Hall (108 East Green Street), beginning at Noon; and

> Rural-Urban Center in Montour Falls (208 Broadway), beginning at 3:00 p.m., with Assemblyman O’Mara.

On Friday, March 2, meetings will be held at the:

> Henderson-Smith State Office Building in Hornell (107 Broadway/Room 160) beginning at 9:00 a.m., with Assemblyman Jim Bacalles;

> Village Office in Penn Yan (111 Elm Street) beginning at Noon, with Assemblyman Bacalles; and

> Corning City Hall (Nasser Civic Center Plaza) beginning at 3:00 p.m., with Assemblyman Bacalles.

The public meetings are informal, Winner said, and simply designed to give anyone interested a direct opportunity to learn more about the governor’s budget proposal, as well as to share concerns and opinions on how the Spitzer budget would impact local communities.

Anyone unable to attend any of the scheduled meetings is still encouraged to share comments by contacting either of Winner’s district offices in Bath (776-3201) or Elmira (732-2765), his Albany office (518-455-2091) or via e-mail by clicking below on CONTACT INFO.