State Senate Approves MOSA Dissolution

ALBANY, 03/20/14 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I- Oneonta) today announced senate approval of legislation he sponsors, allowing the dissolution of the Montgomery, Otsego, Schoharie Solid Waste Authority (MOSA).  Senator Seward’s bill (S.6181) follows a home rule request from the three member counties and the authority.

“MOSA was created following a home-rule request.  Now, after a quarter-century, it is appropriate to honor a similar request to dissolve the authority,” said Senator Seward.  “With the service agreement governing the authority scheduled to expire in April 2014, the time is now to take this step.”

Along with formally ending the solid waste authority, the bill also includes a plan for the distribution of the authority’s assets and liabilities among the three member counties.

“Each member county has put in a great deal of time and effort planning for the future solid waste disposal needs of their residents.  This state legislation will allow them to move forward,” Seward concluded.

The bill has been sent to the assembly where companion legislation, A.8406, has been introduced by Assemblyman Bill Magee.

Seward Meets With Central Bridge 4-H Student in Albany

ALBANY, 03/04/14 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) Tuesday welcomed Schoharie County 4-H member Emma Wegner to Albany as part of the 79^th annual 4-H Capital Days.

“As a former 4-H member, I am pleased to see the program continuing to offer our young people a well-rounded education on topics like agriculture, leadership and life skills,” said Senator Seward.  “Ms. Wegner and her fellow 4-H members are our future leaders.  Meeting with them and providing some insight into Albany’s daily proceedings is a welcome highlight.”

Senator James L. Seward (left) welcomes Schoharie County 4-H member Emma Wegner (Central Bridge) to Albany for the annual 4-H Capital Days.

Ms. Wegner and students from other area 4-H chapters met with Senator Seward during a legislative breakfast, quizzing him on pending legislation, local issues of importance and the inner workings of the state senate.

In December of 2013, Senator Seward was named a Distinguished 4-H Alumnus, the first documented New York honoree to be listed in the national directory.

“The ideals I learned while a 4-H member helped give birth to my interest in public service and continue to foster my passion each and every day,” added Senator Seward.

4-H, a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension, brings students, volunteer leaders and staff from across the state to Albany each year for a two day conference.  Students spend time witnessing the state legislature in session, touring the Capitol and learning about history and state government.

Seward Proposes Anti-Welfare Fraud Bill

In an email sent out to supporters, State Senator James Seward has co-sponsored sweeping legislation to cut down on welfare fraud in New York State. According to the email, a similar bill has already passed the State Senate three times, while not coming to a vote in the Assembly.

That's why I co-sponsored "The Public Assistance Integrity Act", passed by the senate today. This will crack down on those who use their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards on items like cigarettes, beer, and lottery tickets. The bill would also stop ATM withdrawals at liquor stores, casinos, and strip clubs.

Seward says that New York needs to act soon or it could lose $122 million in federal aid. More information on the bill can be found here on his website.

Seward Lauds Child Advocacy Walk

In an mass email, State Senator Jim Seward has lauded the work of a group working to reduce violence against children. In his email he wrote:

The New York State Children’s Alliance, Inc. (NYSCA), is hosting the first annual statewide Step Up for Kids run/walk. Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) across New York State are taking part with two walks right here in my senate district in Schoharie on Saturday and Cooperstown on Sunday.