![Senator Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/%2811-18-08%29%20Seward-HS-050.jpg?itok=JIw55FSU)
Seward a Key Player in State Budget Negotiations
Jeff Bishop, Communications Director
March 16, 2016
![Senator James L. Seward makes opening remarks during the higher education budget conference committee meeting. From left, Senator Seward, Senator Kenneth LaValle, Assemblymember Deborah Glick.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/higher_education_budget_conference_-_03-16-16.jpg?itok=0Y_wcGzo)
ALBANY, 03/16/16 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) has been named to the education and higher education budget conference committees and will also serve as an alternate to the general budget conference committee made up of legislative leaders.
Regarding his education conference committee assignment Senator Seward said:
“The senate budget resolution completely erases the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) and provides record funding for our schools. Moving forward, I will work to protect this investment in our future and ensure that our low-wealth, high-need rural schools receive their fair share of state aid. Education is one of the biggest portions of the state budget, and for good reason. This funding is critical to meet classroom needs so students can excel and to help keep local property taxes in check.”
Regarding his higher education conference committee assignment Senator Seward said:
“College costs can be staggering and that’s why I am extremely pleased that substantial resources are included in the senate budget to help students and their families afford the price tag that can accompany a higher education. By increasing support for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), offering new income tax exemptions for student loan interest, and increasing the amount of the Tuition Tax Credit, the senate plan will help students graduate college with a diploma not outrageous financial debt.”
The conference committees are made up of five senators and five assemblymen tasked with negotiating budget differences between the houses, in concert with the governor, to develop a final spending plan. The committees conduct open, public meetings which can be viewed on-line at www.nysenate.gov.
“Bipartisan conference committees have been instrumental in producing five straight on-time budgets, and I am confident this process will deliver again this year. A final budget that encourages job growth, cuts taxes, holds the line on state spending, and provides for our future is within reach,” Seward concluded.
-30-
Share this Article or Press Release
Newsroom
Go to NewsroomSeward Delivers $25,000 Grant to Aid Delaware County Sheriff's Office
September 10, 2018
![Senator Seward (right) congratulates Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond after announcing a $25,000 state grant to help cover costs associated with a new investigator’s vehicle within the department’s Drug Enforcement Unit.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/web_8.jpg?itok=L6E7W3Ji)
Oneonta's Historic Damaschke Field to Receive Much Needed Facelift
September 10, 2018
![Senator James Seward announces a $1 million state grant to help fund major renovations and improvements at historic Damaschke Field. From left, Oneonta City Mayor Gary Herzig, Oneonta Outlaws owner Gary Laing, Senator Seward.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/seward_-_damaschke_1_-_09-06-18.jpg?itok=vUxFxoQ8)
Seward Secures $50,000 Grant for Middletown History Center
September 5, 2018
![Senator James L. Seward announces a $50,000 state grant to help fund development of the Middletown History Center. From left, Senator Seward, Historical Society of the Town of Middletown (HSM) President Diane Galusha, Town of Middletown Supervisor Patrick Davis, Village of Margaretville Mayor Diana Cope, Village of Fleischmanns Mayor Donald Kearney.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/web_7.jpg?itok=oBFKNFPe)