James L. Seward's Videos

ALBANY, 12/07/11 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today applauded the Middle Class Tax Cut and Job Creation Plan which helps rejuvenate the upstate economy and includes special state funding to assist flood devastated communities.

“This plan means lower taxes - $690 million worth – for hard-working, middle class New Yorkers, the backbone of our communities. That’s money that will now flow through our local economy and create jobs. At the same time, we are cutting taxes for manufacturers helping them create additional jobs and continue to drive our economy forward,” Seward said.

ONEONTA, 08/25/11 – In a new video statement, State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) announces the launch of a new online survey, “The Next Steps to a Stronger Economy,” designed to gather public input on economic development initiatives to further private sector job growth. 

Senator Seward says this year’s on-time state budget which cut spending, held the line on taxes and put forward job creating incentives was a positive start.  He says further steps need to be taken to build on the successes of the legislative session.

ALBANY, 06/14/11 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today paid tribute to John P. Nowhitney of Oneonta as a 2011 inductee to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.

ALBANY, NY May 3, 2011 – Senator James L. Seward joined forces today with King County District Attorney Charles Hynes, Senator Martin Golden and Assemblyman Joseph Morelle in support of reforming New York’s no-fault auto insurance laws.

New Yorkers now pay the fourth highest premiums in the nation for auto insurance, due in large part to an outdated system that is rife with fraud and abuse.  In 2010, for the second consecutive year, no-fault fraud cost New Yorkers more than $200 million—this cost is a ‘Fraud Tax’ that is absorbed by all drivers across the state in the form of higher insurance premiums.

ALBANY, 03/24/11 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) and Assemblyman Marc Butler (R/C/I-Newport ) today announced that the General Herkimer Home historic site will open this year beginning with the rescheduled Sugaring Off Celebration on Sunday, April 17th.

“When it looked like the Herkimer Home would be closed and artifacts shipped out I vowed to do everything in my power to protect this vital piece of local history,” said Senator Seward.  “I am pleased to announce that I was able to secure $100,000 in an agreed upon state budget bill to provide for the immediate needs at Herkimer Home and begin future planning.”

ALBANY, 03/15/11 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today commented on passage of a senate budget resolution for fiscal year 2011-2012:

“Today’s passage of a senate spending plan is an important step toward final enactment of a responsible, on-time state budget that meets the needs of all New Yorkers.  It closes a $10 billion budget deficit without raising taxes, cuts state spending and provides economic development tools that will mean more jobs, especially upstate.

“The plan is largely in sync with the governor’s proposal, most importantly, accepting almost all of the Medicaid Redesign Team’s (MRT) recommendations to reduce out of control spending that costs the state over $1 billion a week. 

ALBANY, 01/31/11 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) today announced senate approval of a property tax cap and companion legislation aimed at eliminating unfunded state mandates on school districts and local governments.

“Property taxpayers in New York State are tapped out,” said Senator Seward.  “Enacting a property tax cap is a commonsense approach that will provide significant savings and help families and senior citizens afford to stay in their homes.

ALBANY, 01/10/11 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) comments on his appointment to the senate finance committee.

As a member of the finance committee, Senator Seward will play a significant role in reviewing the governor’s proposed budget and developing a final spending plan. The finance committee will examine appropriations and disbursements for each agency included in the budget. In addition, the finance committee is responsible for reviewing nominations sent by the governor for appointments, and moving the nominations to the full senate. 

WORCESTER, 11/17/10 - Senator James L. Seward joins fellow state lawmakers in protesting a recent NYSDOT decision to shut down six highway rest areas.

Senator Seward was joined by Assemblyman Marc Butler and Assemblyman Pete Lopez in calling on the governor and the DOT to rethink the closure plan and develop alternate cost-saving strategies that will keep the rest areas open, providing truck drivers and the motoring public with safe parking areas.

Others on hand included Hope Rivenburg, whose husband Jason Rivenburg, a truck driver from Schoharie County, was murdered at an abandoned gas station in South Carolina while resting in his rig.