James L. Seward's Newsroom

Each and every day thousands of law enforcement and emergency workers risk their lives to protect the citizens of New York.  Throughout my time in the state senate, I have proudly partnered with these brave, caring men and women on a number of initiatives to assist them in performing their critical duties.

As young people consider their futures, some may want to think about working for New York State in various positions of law enforcement and correctional services.

The state periodically has openings in law enforcement (state police, park police, university police, environmental conservation and corrections). New York's prisons, which range from minimum to maximum security, need reliable, qualified individuals to serve as corrections officers. Crime is generally on the decrease in our state, and we can credit the legislature for tough policies and new laws that have reduced our crime rate. But we will always have the need to incarcerate those who violate our laws, and we will need people to operate our prisons.

Finally, after long last, a state budget has received approval in Albany.  The spending plan was adopted 125 days late but all of that extra time did nothing to help generate a budget that New Yorkers can be proud of.

For the second year in a row, Albany leaders thumbed their noses at the concept of transparency.  In direct violation of the 2007 Budget Reform Law, the governor, and leaders in the assembly and senate huddled behind closed doors to fabricate the $136 billion plan.  Instead of convening open, bi-partisan conference committees to negotiate spending in full view of the public, three men from New York City decided they knew best. 

Reform is a word that is tossed around a lot by elected officials.  By definition the word reform means to change and improve something by correcting faults – hard to argue with that concept.  Looking at our state government, certainly a few faults need to be corrected.  But simply saying you support reform, and making real improvements, are two different things

I have fought for a number of key reforms during my time in the state senate.  With my support, legislation has been approved to open up the state budget process, create a more transparent senate and clean up Albany.  Unfortunately, over the last two years, one party rule has dominated state government and many of the landmark reforms have been ignored.    

As families and individuals look for ways to enjoy the wonderful summer weather, people need to look no further than our local state parks.  July is Park and Recreation Month across the nation and here in New York we have many great reasons to celebrate. 

Our public parks and state lands are among our greatest resources, particularly in upstate, and they fulfill a number of roles.  They are a strong source of tourist dollars, drawing people from other parts of New York, neighboring states, and across the nation.  Along with generating money for the state, our parks also help support many other businesses, from small grocery stores, to souvenir shops selling locally produced keepsakes, to farm stands offering homegrown fruits and vegetables.