2012 Session - Solutions & Accountability

ALBANY, 06/21/12 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today commented on the close of the 2012 legislative session:

“Albany is results driven once again and for that reason there were plenty of notable accomplishments during the 2012 legislative session.  We focused on solutions and accountability.

 “For a second consecutive year we passed an on-time state budget that kept spending in check, rejected new taxes and fees, funds the reconstruction of our upstate roads and bridges and funnels additional education aid to our neediest rural schools. 

“Help for communities devastated by last year’s Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee was also approved, helping us rebuild while keeping property taxes from skyrocketing.  Mandate relief was also front and center. Counties will save $1.2 billion over five years through a phased in state takeover of Medicaid growth.

“We are cracking down on criminals by expanding the DNA databank, providing new protections for victims of domestic violence, and closing a loophole by criminalizing the viewing of child pornography over the internet.  The growing trend of cyberbullying is also being addressed and we created a new justice center for people with special needs – protecting our most vulnerable New Yorkers from abuse and neglect.

“The senate focused on economic development incentives.  We approved a special tax credit to ensure our small craft breweries keep growing, and another round of funding for regional economic development awards.  But I was disappointed that the assembly failed to take up several other job creating measures, including my bill to eliminate business taxes on manufacturers which passed the senate with overwhelming bi-partisan support.

“Overall, many of my goals were met translating to a better functioning state, a more promising business climate and an improved environment to live and raise a family.”  
 

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