Seward Meets With Schoharie County American Legion to Discuss Jobs for Veterans, SAFE Act

ALBANY, 03/18/14 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) met Tuesday afternoon in Albany with American Legion representatives from Schoharie County during the American Legion Department of New York annual legislative day.

“Our proud servicemen and women make great sacrifices defending our rights and freedoms,” said Senator Seward.  “I was pleased to discuss their concerns and learn more about legislation supported by the American Legion and our 1.7 million New York State veterans.”

From left, Senator James L. Seward, Schoharie County Commander Gary Schacher, Schoharie County Veterans’ Service Officer Eilene Fisher, Michael Saccento (Middleburgh Post 248), Myron Kniskern (Cobleskill Post 57), Paul Todd (Sharon Springs Post 1269).  

Senator Seward is a co-sponsor of the “NY Jobs for Heroes Program” which passed the senate overwhelmingly earlier this year.  The legislation, which is among the American Legion’s priority bills, creates a state contract preference for service-connected disabled veteran owned small businesses.

“The ‘NY Jobs for Heroes Program’ will mean careers and new opportunities for our returning disabled veterans and their families.  After sacrificing to protect and secure the American Dream our brave servicemen and women should be able to realize that dream themselves,” Seward added.

The American Legion is also calling for the repeal of the NY-SAFE act.  Senator Seward is a co-sponsor of multiple senate bills that would repeal the NY-SAFE Act and additional legislation that would repeal the anti-gun provisions of the law, but leave in place stricter penalties for crimes committed with firearms and measures to deal with the dangerously mentally ill.

“I voted against the NY-SAFE Act because it is an extreme measure which punishes law abiding citizens like our veterans while failing to confront the root causes of gun violence.  I proudly stand with the American Legion in opposition to this act which infringes on the very rights they fought to defend,” Seward concluded.

Lopez, Seward Sample Taste of Schoharie

ALBANY, 03/10/14 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) met recently with students from the SUNY Cobleskill culinary arts program during the New York Farm Bureau’s “Taste of New York” legislative reception in Albany. He was joined by Assemblyman Peter Lopez (R/C/I - Schoharie).

From left, Assemblyman Pete Lopez, Elaine Marcel, Bethany Sperbeck, and Senator James L. Seward at the New York Farm Bureau “Taste of New York” legislative reception in Albany. 

“The New York Farm Bureau event is a grand stage for the wonderful, diverse home-grown products available across our state,” said Senator Seward.  “The SUNY Cobleskill booth is always one of the highlights and this year was no different.  It is a great way to showcase the school’s outstanding culinary program and the quality food harvested right in our backyard.”

The SUNY Cobleskill culinary arts students offered a menu made from locally-sourced products from Barber’s Farm, Danforth Jersey Farm, Hessian Hill Farm, and Schoharie Valley Farms.

Seward Paves Way For Additional Highway Funding

ALBANY, 03/05/14 -- On Wednesday afternoon State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) joined senate colleagues to call on Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders to increase state funding for local highway improvements. 

“Local roads, bridges, and culverts are the backbone of our state’s infrastructure,” said Senator Seward. “We need a comprehensive strategy, along with state funding, to improve these key transportation components to ensure motorist safety and economic vitality.”

Local roads and bridges account for 87 percent of the roads, 52 percent of the bridges, and 48 percent of the vehicle mileage logged in New York State.

Senator Seward was one of a dozen senators to sign a letter to Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders calling for:

• A $50 million increase in Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs) funding in the 2014-15 budget;
• Creation of a dedicated $200 million “State Aid to Local Bridges and Culverts Program” to address local priorities.

Senator Seward was joined by county and town highway superintendents from across New York at a Capitol news conference announcing the call for additional state funding. 

“Last year I was able to help secure an additional $75 million in CHIPs funding, the first increase to the program in five years.  The added funding helps the dedicated men and women who maintain our local roads do so at a cost taxpayers can afford.  Continued, consistent state support is critical,”Seward concluded.

Seward Welcomes Schoharie County Youth Bureau to Capitol

ALBANY, 02/11/14 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) yesterday met at his Capitol office with members of the Schoharie County Youth Bureau. 

“The community value of the services provided by the Schoharie County Youth Bureau is impossible to quantify,”said Senator Seward.  “The group offers quality programming that provides our youth with opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have, leading to productive futures for those involved.  I appreciate hearing their personal success stories and will be advocating for programs like this as we negotiate a final state budget that meets the real needs of New Yorkers.”   

High school students from Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School and Middleburgh Central School joined advisers with the Schoharie County Youth Bureau for a discussion with Senator Seward on current activities as well as future funding needs.  The meeting was part of the Association of New York State Youth Bureau lobby day.