NYS Assembly - GARY D. FINCH -- 123 Assembly District

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E-mail: gary@garyfinch.com
Albany Office: LOB 320, ALBANY 12248 (518)-455-5878
District Office: 69 SOUTH ST, AUBURN 13021 (315)-255-3045
Satellite Office: 16 COURT STREET, OWEGO, 13827 (607)-687-8272

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TODAY: 7/10/08
Contact: Suzanne Redmond (315) 255-3045

ASSEMBLYMAN FINCH ANNOUNCES INCREASED EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS FOR VETERANS

     In this year’s enacted state budget, Assemblyman Gary D. Finch (R,C – Springport) and his colleagues passed increased higher education benefits for veterans. Veterans will now be eligible to receive an award equal to the full cost of their tuition.

     “We owe our brave veterans for the freedom that we have today, and we must pay them back for their sacrifices,” said Finch. “Receiving an education is essential towards continuing on and having a happy, successful life. All eligible veterans should be aware of the opportunities available to them and be sure to take advantage of this great program.”

     Veterans Tuition Awards (VTA’s) are available for full-time and part-time study for eligible veterans matriculated at an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institution or in an approved vocational training program in New York State. Starting this year, recipients will receive an award up to the full cost of undergraduate tuition at the State University of New York.

     In order to be eligible, students must be residents of New York and legal United States citizens. They must have been discharged under honorable conditions from the U.S. Armed forces and served in one of the following:

Vietnam Veterans who served in Indochina between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975,
Persian Gulf Veterans who served in the Persian Gulf on or after August 2, 1990,
Afghanistan Veterans who served in Afghanistan during hostilities on or after September 11, 2001,
Veterans of the armed forces of the United States who served in hostilities that occurred after February 28, 1961 as evidenced by receipt of an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal or a Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal.

For more information, go to www.veterans.state.ny.us or call the Division of Veterans Affairs at 888-VETS-NYS (888-838-7697), or call the Higher Education Services Corporation at 888-697-4372.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TODAY: 6/26/08
Contact: Suzanne Redmond (315) 255-3045

FINCH STANDS UP FOR RESTORATION OF SNOWMOBILE FUND

     Assemblyman Gary D. Finch (R,C - Springport) today joined colleagues in calling on Governor Paterson to return $1 million to the
Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance Fund.

     Earlier this year, $1 million was taken from the fund and moved into the general fund of the state budget. Snowmobilers have created an uproar about the apparent theft of these funds and while hundreds of petitions signed by snowmobilers across New York were returned to the Executive Chamber, this year's session has ended with no resolution to the issue.

     "The snowmobile fund was created to maintain trails and ensure that snowmobilers are properly educated, and it is time for the money, which was paid for by snowmobilers, to be returned to its rightful place," said Finch.

     Finch and his colleagues supported legislation that would have returned the money back to its rightful place, as well as require the Commissioner of Parks to file an annual report to the legislature accounting for all funds disbursed from the fund, thus insuring the money is spent properly. However, the bill failed to pass before session came to a close.

     "Snowmobiling is very important for tourism in New York, and the fact that the state increased registration fees and then stole the money from right under the noses of snowmobilers is completely unacceptable," Finch stated. "This is just another in a chain of events undermining the public's trust of state government. We must act to restore this fund immediately."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TODAY: 6/24/08
Contact: Suzanne Redmond (315) 255-3045

ASSEMBLY SESSION ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND LOST PRIORITIES
A Legislative Column by Assemblyman Gary D. Finch (R,C - Springport)

"The 2008 Legislative Session has come to a close this evening. This year, safety and fiscal responsibility have been two of my priorities
as your representative in the state Assembly as well as that of my Republican colleagues. However, Speaker Sheldon Silver and the Democratic majority have blocked a number of bills from ever reaching the floor that promote both of these issues that are so critical to our community.

With the rise of fuel and food costs, residents of Central New York and across the state are feeling a heavy financial burden firsthand.
Legislation reducing the state gas tax by almost 33 cents has been blocked as well as an Alternative Fuels Incentive Fund to decrease state dependency on foreign oil. Both of these are critical pieces of legislation that promote fiscal responsibility within our state.

     The creation of the New York State Property Taxpayer Protection Act which is supported by my Republican colleagues and I as well as the governor has also been blocked. The Act calls for real property tax reform ultimately strengthening the financial accountability of local governments across the state.

     The Child Protection Act of 2008 which creates stronger penalization of child sex offenders, allowing for greater protection of our
children, again has not made it to the floor. This legislative act is critical to the promotion of safety for our children. It is a priority that
cannot be overlooked.

     I am proud to say that the endorsement of truck traffic control by the governor has been made, an issue I fully support that allows for the
safety of travel on rural roads by requiring trucks to use interstate highways whenever possible.

     As your voice in the Assembly, I will continue to fight for the safety of Central New York residents as well as placing your hard earned
money back where it belongs, not toward higher taxes, but in your pockets. Together, we will continue to fight for a stronger more fiscally responsible New York."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TODAY: 6/19/08
Contact: Suzanne Redmond (315) 255-3045

ASSEMBLYMAN FINCH CELEBRATES DAIRY DAY
Honoring the Dairy Industry as Part of National Dairy Month

Assemblyman Gary D. Finch (R,C - Springport) today joined his Assembly Republican colleagues in celebrating their annual Dairy Day event in Albany's Legislative Office Building.

New York has more than 6,200 dairy farms, and their 626,000 milk cows produce more than 1 billion pounds of milk each month, making New York the third largest producer of dairy products in the United States.

     "The farming industry is the backbone of New York," said Finch. "Today I join my colleagues in celebrating all that our agricultural
industry does for the people of New York."

     The annual event is held to offer the public a chance to sample a variety of New York's dairy products and to meet organizations and companies representing various sectors of the dairy industry.

     "I encourage New Yorkers to buy local agricultural products whenever possible," Finch stated. "That way you can provide your family with the freshest food available and also help New York's dairy farmers remain productive and profitable, thus ensuring the future of New York."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TODAY: 6/12/08
Contact: Suzanne Redmond (315) 255-3045

FINCH ANNOUNCES GOVERNOR'S SUPPORT FOR TRUCK TRAFFIC CONTROL

     Yesterday, Governor David Paterson announced his support for a new policy that would regulate truck traffic and would prevent
tractor-trailers from using small towns and rural roads as shortcuts. According to Assemblyman Gary D. Finch (R,C - Springport), the Department of Transportation should implement the new regulations in the near future.`

     "My colleagues and I have been fighting to protect small towns and villages in the Finger Lakes Region and Central New York from
unnecessary truck traffic, and having the governor on our side will hopefully expedite the process," said Finch.

     Almost 280 trucks a day, or around two million a year, carry freight along rural and town roads in Central New York in order to shorten
trip times and save gas. Many of the trucks transport low level hazardous wastes near the Finger Lakes, spill garbage and emit noxious fumes. They also cause major damage to small local roads, which aren't designed to handle the weight of large trucks, causing safety concerns for people who walk or bike along the roadways and threaten the peaceful atmosphere of Central New York.

     The regulations would designate which routes should be used by trucks, requiring them to use interstate highways whenever possible. The governor has also proposed plans to slow speeds and improve safety on specific routes in the area.

     "There will be a series of public hearings held throughout the region and I strongly urge the public to attend and voice their opinions
about the proposed regulations. The schedule has not been released yet but, when it is, I will post it on my website and make the schedule and regulations available to the public at my office in Auburn."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TODAY: 6/10/08
Contact: Suzanne Redmond (315) 255-3045

FINCH ENCOURAGES STUDENT LITERACY WITH SUMMER READING PROGRAM

     Assemblyman Gary D. Finch (R,C - Springport) is encouraging students in his district to keep up with their reading this summer with the 2008 New York Statewide Summer Reading Program "Catch the Reading Bug."

     "The Summer Reading Program is an important tool to help children keep up with their learning throughout the summer months," said
Finch. "While summertime should be relaxing for students, they should also remember to continue their studies."

     Evidence has shown that children who stop reading over the summer tend to fall behind upon returning to school in September. In order to prevent this, Finch urges children and their parents to take advantage of this reading program. Last year, 1.35 million kids took part in New York, and even more are expected in 2008.

     At the end of August, students should send their brochures back to Assemblyman Finch's office so they can receive a New York State Assembly Excellence in Reading Certificate.

"I hope that all of the children in my district will take advantage of this great program," Finch stated. "Reading is fun, and programs like this encourage children to enjoy reading and learning in their free time."

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ASSEMBLYMAN FINCH HONORS PRESTON REED WITH THE

EXCELSIOR AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

Assemblyman Gary D. Finch (R,C – Springport) today honored Preston Reed with the Excelsior Award for Excellence. Tuesday, June 3 is the Assembly Republican Conference’s Disability Awareness Day. Members honor the extraordinary achievements and public service of those who have overcome physical and other personal challenges.

“Mr. Reed is an exemplary individual who has overcome personal struggles to become a very productive member of the community who contributes to the lives of many around him,” said Finch. “I am extremely proud to present this award, and wish him luck in his continued efforts.”

Preston Reed is a 39-year-old man who has been in ACHIEVE’s Supported Employment program since November 1993. He has been steadily employed since that time, working at a number of places including the Treadway Inn, Carmella’s Restaurant, Starks Essentials Diner and T-Tran. Since May 2006, Preston has been employed at Tioga Downs, and takes great pride in the fact that he is an original employee, working there since the opening.

Preston has lived with his family in Nichols his whole life. He enjoys walking, biking, cross-country skiing and watching television, and uses his John Deere tractor to mow grass and remove snow.

As a child, Preston was diagnosed with juvenile retinitis. Preston has managed his eye problem and has overcome many obstacles in becoming the man he is today. He has learned to read and write very well and takes an avid interest in the weather, reading the weather section of the paper and watching the weather channel so he knows what the weather is like all over the country. Mr. Reed is a registered voter and strives to be an independent individual, using public transportation and driving a four-wheeler

“Everyone can learn a lesson from Preston. It is an honor to present Mr. Reed with the Excelsior Award for Excellence,” Finch stated. “Preston, his family and friends should be proud of the life he has created for himself.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TODAY: 6/2/08
Contact: Suzanne Redmond (315) 255-3045

Statement by **** Gary D. Finch (R,C - Springport)

REPORT BY SUOZZI COMMISSION MIRRORS FINCH'S PLAN FOR PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

"Fighting for property tax relief has been and will remain my top priority I am hopeful that Speaker Silver takes heed of Tom Suozzi's report which very closely mirrors my plan to change the property tax system. We must institute a cap that ensures that property taxes do not increase more than the rate of inflation, immediately, in order to relieve the crushing burden facing homeowners in New York."

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Past links featured on this page:

123rd Assembly District - School Districts

Colorectal Screening and Prostate Education for Men and Women

Men's Health Days

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