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ONEONTA, 02/02/12 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) has been named to two key senate budget sub-committees which will review the governor’s budget proposal and offer recommendations for modifications.  Senator Seward will serve on the health sub-committee and the education sub-committee.

Regarding his health subcommittee assignment Senator Seward said:

“A number of important issues are included under the health heading – a state takeover of Medicaid, creation of a health insurance exchange, and funding for vital public health programs,” said Senator Seward.  “Ensuring the public’s needs are met while keeping state spending in check will be a primary focus.”

ALBANY, 01/17/12 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today commented on Governor Cuomo’s budget proposal:

“The governor’s budget proposal is a sound continuation of last year’s effort to rein in state spending without raising taxes or resorting to new borrowing.  I believe the plan hits close to the mark on a number of my key priorities and provides a solid starting point for this year’s budget discussion.

ONEONTA, 01/06/12 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) today called for a reconfiguration of New York’s public education aid formula to better meet the needs of low-wealth, rural school districts.

ALBANY, 01/04/12 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today commented on Governor Cuomo’s State of the State address:

“Partnering with Governor Cuomo last year, we ended partisan gridlock and a number of successful initiatives were realized.  Now it is time to continue our Empire State resurgence.

“The governor’s focus on creating private sector jobs runs parallel with my own.  His innovative approach to utilizing public/private partnerships is especially appealing and I was pleased he singled out tourism as a sector in need of additional state support.

ONEONTA, 12/20/11 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today applauded the announcement that counties in the 51st senate district will receive nearly $7 million through the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant (SICG) program to improve emergency communications.

“A reliable communication network is an essential tool for emergency responders,” said Senator Seward.  “These grants will help provide that tool, protecting the lives of those who live and work in upstate New York, while also ensuring the safety of our firefighters, ambulance workers and police.  The funding will also offset a major expense that taxpayers simply cannot afford to shoulder on their own.”

ALBANY, 12/08/11 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today announced additional details in regard to flood assistance legislation approved during this week’s special legislative session.

“As communities throughout my senate district and across upstate continue to rebuild from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, I am pleased the recently completed special legislative session produced some significant help,” said Senator Seward.

Storm recovery assistance includes:

ONEONTA, 12/04/11 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today announced the launch of an on-line petition drive in support of Medicaid reform legislation that he is co-sponsoring.

“Overburdened taxpayers in upstate New York and across the state are desperate for relief,” said Senator Seward.  “The property tax cap was a great first step, but as I have said all along, it needs to be linked to mandate relief for local governments.