Assemblyman Gary D. Finch Assemblyman
Gary D.
Finch’s
Legislative
Update
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Dear Neighbor,

During the 2007 Legislative Session, we achieved many of the goals that I laid out at the start of the year. From passing a new Middle-Class STAR rebate program to reducing costs for small businesses, great strides have been made toward ending the economic burden many of us feel as New Yorkers.

While our achievements have been significant, my job is not nearly complete. More needs to be done to institute real reform and meaningful legislation that reins in spending while lowering taxes. As your assemblyman, I continue to fight for lower property taxes, safer communities, job growth and programs aimed at the development of alternative fuels.

Included in this brochure are some of the accomplishments we made this year and the issues I am still fighting for. In addition, I want you to know that my office provides excellent constituent services and I welcome you to contact us if we can be of assistance.

Yours truly,
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Gary D. Finch
Member of the Assembly
123rd District

NYS Seal

2007 Accomplishments:

  • Increased state school district aid by $1.76 billion for a total of $19.65 billion

  • Created a new Middle-Class STAR rebate program

  • Streamlined the workers’ compensation system, reducing costs for employers, while increasing benefits for injured workers

  • Passed ethics reform legislation

  • Reduced the Corporate Franchise Tax on manufacturers

  • Passed civil confinement legislation that keeps the most dangerous of sex offenders confined in secure facilities following their release from prison.

What’s Next:

  • Permanent property tax relief

  • Creating an Alternative Fuel Incentive Fund to transition away from fossil fuels

  • Further reducing Medicaid costs

  • Expansion of the criminal DNA database

  • Requiring longer prison sentences for sex offenders

  • Reinstatement of the death penalty for cop killers

  • Reforming state government

  • Working with local governments to reduce costs.




Assemblyman Gary D. Finch, Working to Provide
Lower Property Taxes

Assemblyman Gary D. Finch has listened to residents in the 123rd Assembly District and understands the strain that out-of-control property taxes put on New York homeowners. He is committed to lowering property taxes through several initiatives meant to ease the burden by providing long-term relief that make New York one of the least expensive states in which to live and work. He has already worked with fellow legislators to provide additional STAR relief and increased school aid, now he is working to do more by:

  • Attacking the $4.5 billion in annual Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse and returning any savings to homeowners in the form of property tax relief

  • Restricting unfunded mandates that force local governments and school districts to increase tax levies on property owners

  • Controlling the growth of local taxes by capping tax levies to four percent annually or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower, and override the cap by a two-thirds majority vote.

Safer Communities
photo Assemblyman Finch conversing about legislative priorities with constituents.
Assemblyman Finch believes the 2007 session was a major victory on behalf of all families across the state in their uphill struggle to enact a meaningful civil confinement law, however, more can be done. Among the many measures that need to be addressed, Finch is advocating for:
  • Further expansion of the DNA database

  • Longer prison sentencing for sex offenders

  • Tougher penalties for chronic criminals

Jobs and Economic Growth

Job creation and retention are vital to the success of New York’s economy, as well as the success of our communities and families. Assemblyman Finch supports legislation that encourages employers, as well as our young people to live and work in Central New York. Such measures include:

  • A Small Business Training Tax Credit for businesses that provide job training to improve the skill level of their employees

  • State grants to help revitalize communities through the state’s Main Street Revitalization Grant program

  • Tuition policies that give students the opportunity to learn and one day work in New York state

  • Creating tax credits and grants for the use and development of alternative fuels




No problem is too big, no request too small for Assemblyman Gary D. Finch to help!
Here’s How:
Constituent Casework

Assemblyman Gary D. Finch knows that dealing with federal, state and local government agencies can often be a complex, time-consuming and frustrating experience. That’s why his office performs Constituent Casework to help taxpayers get the assistance and services they need.

Here are the types of Constituent Casework services that Gary Finch’s office provides:

arrow Dealing with federal, state and local agencies

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Obtaining benefits, government forms or applications

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Providing information on programs like EPIC, HEAP and STAR

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Replacing lost veterans’ medals and awards

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Answering questions about state government

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Developing legislative solutions to community problems
Brochures, Certificates & Citations

Gary D. Finch knows how important it is to recognize heroic individuals, commemorate special moments and provide important information on government services and programs. That’s why his district office provides an assortment of Assembly brochures, certificates and citations for constituents in the 123rd Assembly District.

Here are just some of the items available:

arrow Brochures: How a Bill Becomes a Law, The American Flag, EPIC, Health Care Proxy Law, Clean Air Act, Lyme Disease, Air Bag Safety, Going to College, Bottle Law, Auto Leasing, Identity Theft Protection, Lead Poisoning, Long Term Health Insurance, Organ Donation, Safety Tips for Seniors, Summer Reading Challenge.

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Certificates: Merit, Graduation, Summer Reading Challenge and Eagle Scout, all suitable for framing. Individualized certificates can be prepared to mark special occasions or achievements.

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Citations: Letter and legal size, on gold parchment paper with Assembly covers. Special 16” by 20” Assembly Proclamations on gold leaf paper with plastic frames are available on a very limited basis.

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Legislative Resolutions: For special occasions and achievements.

Contact Assemblyman Finch:

69 South Street, Auburn, NY 13021 (315) 255-3045
320 Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248 (518) 455-5878


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