The work of a state senator is diverse. To me, though, the most important aspects of the job—connecting with real people, learning their real concerns, and producing real results—are my highest priorities.
My interactions with the people who live and work in my senate district are the basis for what I focus on when developing my legislative goals for the upcoming year.
With that in mind, here are some of my top priorities for the 2014 legislative session.
Tax Cuts
Targeted tax relief programs adopted in recent years are translating to new career opportunities throughout the state.
However, broad-based tax cuts are needed to truly help our long-standing small businesses and homeowners who continue to struggle under the heavy property tax burden.
Lowering property taxes, eliminating the corporate income tax rate for upstate manufacturers, increasing the exemption threshold for estate taxes are among the ideas the governor recently proposed.
They closely mirror the bills I have long championed.
Enacting these measures will mean real savings for homeowners and businesses, especially our upstate manufacturers and farmers.
Mandate Relief & Regulatory Reform
Over the past summer, I joined my senate colleagues to host hearings around the state to help determine the most onerous and costly state regulations.
A new report on the findings identifies over two-thousand specific rules and regulations that must be revised or eliminated.
By rebranding our state and reversing the anti-business, high tax climate that has developed, we will be able to make real strides.
Businesses will have the ability to expand and hire, and local governments will have the ability to fund local needs.
Emergency Response & Relief
In recent years, I have spent a great deal of time touring areas of my district devastated by storms, floods, and other natural disasters.
An updated response playbook is needed that will meet the immediate needs of homeowners and municipalities that are left trying to pick up the pieces.
Additionally, income tax credits for those who suffer damage will help with the cost of recovery.
Imagine you lost your home and everything you own, and then to compound matters, you receive a tax bill for that destroyed property.
Rebuilding a home is a monumental task and families and individuals need all the help they can get so they can remain here.
Allowing municipalities to evaluate badly damaged property and offer a reduced tax assessment is a real difference maker.
Broadband Funding
Reliable, affordable broadband service is extremely important for economic development, education, and quality of life.
Connect-NY grants have helped expand broadband reach locally, but there is still a long way to go before residents and businesses are truly on-line.
Broadband funding has to be a budget priority.
Additionally, incentives to encourage utility companies to expand need to be made available.
Education
Many schools in my district are struggling because they do not have the tax base to draw from; the wealth level is much lower than some downstate, suburban districts.
I have successfully brought that fight to Albany and in recent years, results are evident.
In 2013, the vast majority of new education aid, almost $1 billion, went to low and average wealth schools that need help the most.
Next up, we must do away with the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) which has put upstate schools in a deep budgetary hole.
Eliminate the GEA is the mantra I hear from virtually every school superintendent in my senate district.
A new obstacle, the Common Core Learning Standards and related testing, is also plaguing our schools.
I have taken part in a number of forums at schools throughout my district as well as formal senate education committee hearings that have clearly illustrated the need for immediate changes as well as long-term fixes to the poorly conceived curriculum.