FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TODAY: 1/27/09
Contact: Suzanne Redmond (315) 255-3045

FINCH: TRANSPARENCY, TAX RELIEF NEEDED TO REFORM NEW YORK
 

     Today Assemblyman Gary D. Finch (R,C,I - Springport) and his Assembly Republican colleagues proposed a comprehensive package of rules
reforms that would force the Legislature to act more transparent, thus providing the people of New York with greater, more equitable representation.

      "For far too long the Legislature has acted irresponsibly, overspending and overtaxing with important decisions being made under a shroud of secrecy," said Finch.  "The people of our state deserve much better.  We need to reform the way that we work as a governing body."

     The package, composed of wide ranging procedural changes, included a number of reforms that would ensure that members on both side of the Assembly aisle are allowed equal opportunities to affect change.  They also focus on preventing costly, unsustainable mandates on localities.  The following are a few proposals:

     a.. Require that each member of the Assembly be given the chance to bring at least one statewide bill to the floor for a vote during each term;
     b.. Require that any bill which imposes an unfunded mandate or creates additional taxes be specifically labeled.  These would then require a
super-majority (2/3) vote for final passage;
     c.. Provide for equal funding for payroll allocations and staffing of member's offices, regardless of seniority or party affiliation;
     d.. Require each bill to include a fiscal impact statement provided by unbiased actuaries; and
     e.. Require that all bills reported to the floor be accompanied by reports showing all of the committee's work on the bill.

     "It is obvious that we need a change.  We've heard it from people all across the state and it has become painfully obvious that the way the Legislature
operates is not working," Finch stated.  "The fact is we are proposing common-sense changes.  We want to bring bipartisan cooperation to the Assembly so that we can work for the future of New York."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TODAY:  1/7/08
Contact: Suzanne Redmond (315) 255-3045

Statement by Assemblyman Gary Finch (R,C - Springport)

ASSEMBLYMAN FINCH'S REACTION TO THE STATE OF THE STATE

            Governor Paterson's State of the State address signifies the beginning of a new legislative year and we as a governing body need to reconvene with a clear message and purpose.  No longer can we continue spending above our means.  In a time of economic crisis, when many families are finding it difficult to make ends meet, the people of New York continue to face some of the highest taxes in the nation. While the governor proposes to cut spending, it remains to be seen if we can pare down the budget and cut taxes and fees.

            Investing in the future of New York and working to create jobs throughout the state is the only way to dig ourselves out of the economic hole that we continue to sink into.  Small businesses are the foundation of our state, and we must do everything we can to create a sound economic climate.  I am hopeful that we will see a stronger effort to invest in the infrastructure of New York in order to make it a better place for people to live and work.

            We face a large budget gap, and in a time where families across the state are being forced to make tough choices, we too should cut spending.  It will be difficult and it will take sacrifices, but in our time of crisis, I believe that unity and leadership will prevail.  That is why it is so important for us to work together for the betterment of New York.

            The governor stated that this is a time for courage and hope.  I am hopeful that we will be able to reverse course and take effective action towards righting the ship.

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