I sponsored the Assembly’s comprehensive job plan, NY@Work, which will create tens of thousands of jobs, help expand businesses, spur entrepreneurship and leave New Yorkers better prepared to compete in today’s high-tech economy.

NY@Work is what our state needs to revitalize a struggling economy and meet the challenges of a changing business environment. The Assembly is earmarking nearly $525 million for the plan, which will help bring a focus to economic development efforts by reforming Empire Zones, training individuals, investing in capital projects that create jobs and supporting community based economic development initiatives.

For nine straight years, the governor has failed to provide New Yorkers with a compelling vision for our economic future, not to mention a cure for our present fiscal ills. In fact, had the state’s employment grown at the same rate as the nation’s between January 1995 and December 2003, New York would have created 432,900 additional jobs.

This Job Plan overhauls the state’s NY @Work, overhauls the State’s economic development bureaucracy and enacts major programmatic reforms. It also provides for comprehensive workforce education and training while laying the foundation for economic growth by ensuring that our children receive a quality education that will prepare them for the technology driven jobs of the 21st Century. By making wise investments in strategic industries through the use of existing resources, NY @Work also ensures that the taxpayers will receive the best return on their investment.

In the 2004-2005 State Budget, the Governor plans to cut $60 million from EPIC-which would drive pharmacies out of the program and make prescription drugs less available to seniors. As your Assemblywoman, I will continue to work hard to help provide seniors with affordable prescription drugs by expanding the income eligibility levels for EPIC and simplifying the programs fee structure.

The Governor also threatens senior citizens long-term care benefits by making it harder for most to qualify. Currently, assets transferred by a senior citizen within a three year period may count in determining the amount of coverage eligibility rates. I oppose the Governor’s proposal to expand the transfer period to five years for determining benefit eligibilty. By delaying the long-term care many seniors depend on, and requiring people of modest means to impoverish themselves, or pressuring family members to assume the heavy financial burden of caring for loved ones is just not right.

I will continue to fight for the rights of our seniors and challenge any proposal that threatens the quality of life of senior citizens in our district.

As the State Legislature continues working through its 2004 Session, it is of great importance for me to know the special concerns of the people in our District. I would be most grateful if you would take a few moments to complete the following survey. Your responses will greatly assist me. Thank you in advance for your time and input.