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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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