Seward Takes Leadership Role on Senate Finance Committee

ONEONTA, 12/21/18 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I/Ref – Oneonta) today announced that he has been appointed by New York State Senate Republican Leader John J. Flanagan to serve as the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee.

Senate Republican Leader Flanagan said, "Jim Seward is a consummate professional who will make an outstanding ranker of the Senate Finance Committee.  Our budget priorities will be widely known and well articulated, and we will stand up for taxpayers at every turn."

Senator James L. Seward said, “At a time when our state is losing population and the upstate economy is in trouble, we need a fiscally sound blueprint that will help make New York more affordable for families and businesses while creating opportunities for future growth.  Out of control state spending fueled by higher taxes would be disastrous, and I will stand up and fight any budget proposals that fit that description.  My agenda mirrors the concerns I hear from the people I represent – a permanent property tax cap, education aid for our neediest schools, less red tape for businesses, and support for key programs to aid our farmers, veterans, and senior citizens. 

“I appreciate Leader Flanagan’s confidence in me, and I look forward to bringing an upstate viewpoint to the budget table to make certain that concerns important to those who live and work in our area of the state are well represented in Albany.”

Senator Seward is entering his 17th term as state senator.  He has served as a member of the senate leadership team and has been the long-time chairman of the Senate Insurance Committee.

The Senate Finance Committee is the second most influential panel in the senate – tasked with conducting public hearings on the governor’s budget proposal and guiding development of the final plan.  In addition, the finance committee is responsible for reviewing nominations sent by the governor for appointments, and moving the nominations to the full senate. 

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