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ALBANY, 02/14/11 – The New York State Senate today passed potentially lifesaving legislation (S.2387) that would allow emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to carry an automated external defibrillator (AED) in their personal vehicles.

“Clearing the way for trained first responders to carry AEDs at all times could be the difference between life and death for a heart attack patient,” Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta), Chairman of the Senate Insurance Committee said.  “By cutting away bureaucratic red-tape and ensuring trained emergency professionals have the tools they need, lives can be saved.”

ONEONTA, 02/10/11 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) today issued a consumer alert concerning a mailing that has raised concerns from several area residents. The letter to area residents appears to be a warning from National Grid, but is in fact not affiliated with the energy provider, Seward says.

“Often times the phrase ‘buyer beware’ is associated with advertising practices, but when essential services like electricity become part of the equation people deserve to have all of the facts,” said Senator Seward.  “Preying on homeowners through the use of borderline scare tactics is simply wrong and the use of such methods should be exposed.”

ALBANY, 02/08/11 – Fraud Costs New York, a statewide coalition dedicated to curbing the rampant auto-insurance fraud that costs New Yorkers millions of dollars each year, today praised State Senator James Seward for introducing legislation that would reduce fraud, abuse and the associated costs in the New York no-fault system.

New Yorkers now pay the fourth highest premiums in the nation for auto insurance due in large part to an outdated system that is rife with fraud and abuse.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, no-fault fraud cost New Yorkers more than $241 million, a cost absorbed by all drivers in the form of higher premiums. 

ALBANY, 02/01/11 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today commented on Governor Cuomo’s budget proposal:

“The governor’s budget proposal is harsh, but realistic, and takes into account the difficult financial circumstances we face.  There is plenty of hurt to go around and there will be shared sacrifices; they are necessary to put New York back on sound fiscal footing.

ALBANY, 01/24/11 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) and Assemblyman Marc Butler (R/C/I – Newport) are working to save Herkimer Home from the state budget chopping block.

“With state park use on a steady rise due to the economic crunch, it makes no sense to shutter Herkimer Home,” stated Senator Seward.  “The cost to operate the historic Herkimer County site is low, but the return is high – local businesses receive an economic bump, and the educational value to visitors is priceless.”

ALBANY, 01/19/11 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) today announced senate approval of the Job Creation and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2011, a three-part plan to encourage the creation of new private sector jobs and ensure fiscal responsibility through the enactment of a two percent state spending cap and requiring a two-thirds “super majority” vote to raise taxes. 

“These job-creating, cost cutting measures are exactly what New Yorkers are demanding,” said Senator Seward.  “Approving these bills to open the 2011 session sends a clear message that the senate shares the priorities of the people and is taking firm action to turn these goals into reality.”