A state loan program to assist first responders is changing with the times under legislation sponsored by Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta), and signed into law on October 22.
The legislation increases the amounts of allowable loans under the emergency services loan fund.
“Our first responders put their lives on the line every time they answer an emergency call and need to be outfitted with the latest safety gear,” Seward said. Continue reading
A new senate panel has been formed to examine both state and federal efforts to combat the continued spread of a bacterial infection which can carry debilitating and, sometimes, deadly consequences.
The Senate Task Force on Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases will work on recommendations for a state action plan to combat the continued spread of these diseases, and improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
by Sen. James L. Seward, A Column of News & Comment
With summer here and long warm days ahead many people will be headed out on our numerous bodies of water to enjoy a day of boating.
Whether it is a lazy day on a sail boat, an adventure in a canoe or an exhilarating afternoon water skiing there is no better place to enjoy yourself than on the waterways of upstate New York.
Certainly though, many things should be considered before you set out.
Staying safe while on the water is a top concern and must be taken extremely seriously.
Before even leaving the dock some very important pieces of safety equipment should be on board your vessel.
First and foremost, you need a life preserver, also known as a personal flotation device (PFD), for each person on board.
by Sen. James L. Seward, A Column of News & Comment
May is Lyme Disease Aware-ness Month and with the high number of reported cases in New York, it is important to arm yourself and your family with the tools to avoid the disease when possible, and detect and treat when necessary.
Lyme disease is an infection, caused by bacteria, that is spread by the bite of an infected tick.
Lyme disease can affect the skin, joints, nervous system and/or heart.
Over 95,000 cases of Lyme disease have been reported to the New York State Department of Health since reporting was first required in 1986. When detected early, it usually can be treated with oral antibiotics. If left untreated, it often causes serious health problems.
The type of tick responsible for spreading Lyme disease in New York is the deer tick.
Not all deer ticks carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease; they become infected after feeding on an infected animal such as a mouse or other small mammal.
Transmission from infected ticks does not occur until a tick has been attached and feeding for at least 24 to 36 hours, which is why it is important to always check for ticks after spending time outdoors.
You cannot get Lyme disease from another person or an infected animal.
We are entering peak season for deer ticks. They are active when the weather stays above freezing, usually from April through November. Continue reading
The New York State budget is complete. The spending plan meets my central budget priorities— control spending, cut taxes and create jobs.
The budget also comes in on time for a third consecutive year, a major accomplishment that showcases the escalating efficiency of New York State government.
The fiscally responsible budget keeps state spending below the same two-percent cap placed on school districts and local governments.
The only way to reduce the tax burden on New Yorkers is to control spending.
The plan also provides significant tax breaks for the middle class, small businesses and manufacturers.
A new $350 family tax relief check will be sent to middle class families with children next year— direct tax relief.
The budget also extends the middle class personal income tax rate reductions enacted in 2011, which were due to expire next year.
These tax rate reductions provide 4.4 million taxpayers with $707 million in tax relief per year, and this extension will ensure that New York’s middle class income tax rates remain at the lowest level in 60 years.
On the job front, the new state budget will help strengthen our economy and create good paying jobs, because it includes many of the key initiatives included in my recently proposed “Blueprint for Jobs” plan: Continue reading
A Column of News & Comment by Sen. James L. Seward
The 2013 New York State legislative session got its official start recently with the governor’s State of the State address.
The governor presented what I would consider an extremely ambitious agenda which included several items I look forward to working with him to achieve.
We do differing opinions, however, in some areas and I also feel there were a few glaring omissions.
New York is headed in the right direction financially thanks in part to a strong working relationship between the legislature and Governor Cuomo that has evolved over the last two years.
Bread and butter issues have topped my agenda and the governor has been a constructive partner in advancing winning items like the property tax cap and the middle class tax cut.
Economic development remains a top priority for me and I was pleased that a great deal of the governor’s agenda focused on that topic.
The governor’s pledge to continue to hold the line on taxes is one I wholeheartedly endorse.
This has been a key piece of our state’s rebuilding foundation and one that must remain if we are to make further strides.
Over the last two years we have closed budget deficits totaling more than $13 billion without raising taxes. While the deficit is smaller this year, close to a $1 billion gap, we must continue to walk a tight fiscal line.
by Sen. James L. Seward
Earlier this year the New York State Snowmobile Association released information regarding a study of the economic impact of snowmobiling in New York and the results were staggering.
The report concluded that snowmobiling generates $868 million annually—big business especially in upstate New York.
This is great news for outdoor sportsmen and many area businesses alike.
According to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), there are over 10,300 miles in the Statewide Snow-mobile Trail System.
These trails traverse 47 counties and are maintained by over 200 clubs and funded through 55 municipal sponsors.
The vast trail network is comprised of lands under the jurisdiction of OPRHP, the New York State Department of Environ-mental Conservation (DEC), NYS Canal Corporation, national forest land, local governments and many private landowners who have increasingly opened their property to snowmobiling with insurance coverage provided by the state snowmobile program.
The state snowmobile program was created by the legislature to fulfill several objectives: Continue reading