In anticipation of the upcoming Legislative Session - and an urgent need to address unresolved and important public policy issues pertaining to tax relief, job creation and public safety - Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco (R,C,I-Schenectady-Saratoga) today called for the Governor and respective Legislative Leaders of the Assembly and Senate to begin meeting.

Tedisco called for the meetings - to be held immediately, in an open and transparent manner - in a letter sent today to Governor Eliot Spitzer, Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith. A copy of Tedisco's letter is attached with this press release. (Click here to view the letter.)

"As the 231st session of our State Legislature draws near, I thought it appropriate to outline some priorities that - in concert with the respective Conference leaders in both the Assembly and Senate - we should begin discussing," Tedisco stated in his letter.

"These priorities touch on what I am sure you would agree are critical areas, constituting a comprehensive agenda for the betterment of all New Yorkers," said Tedisco, who outlined tax relief, job creation and public safety as major areas where more progress is needed.

Specifically, Tedisco emphasized delivering real tax relief, creating more jobs in Upstate and on Long Island, addressing the future of New York racing and promoting public safety through passage of the "Chronic Criminal Act," expansion of the state's DNA database and cracking down on sexual predators who target children.

"Throughout this Legislative Session, it is my hope that we can move beyond any barriers to progress and work toward common ground that improves the quality of life for the millions of New Yorkers we represent. They are counting on us and deserve real progress.

"Accordingly, I ask that you immediately convene open and transparent meetings of the Legislative Leadership to expedite discussions of these and other issues which have not received the appropriate attention thus far this year. It is my hope these meetings begin as early as next week," Tedisco's letter concluded.