Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,C-Lockport) attended a press conference in Albany led by Senate and Assembly Minority Conference members and members of the community to discuss rural equity in New York state and renew calls to improve it. Norris was proud to sponsor several proposals related to improving rural equity statewide, including:

• A.2267, which will allow volunteer firefighters to attend required training without being penalized by their employer and create tax incentives for employing volunteer firefighters; and
• A.4761, which will establish the New York state local emergency services account, providing reimbursement for equipment including radio and communication items, apparatus, vehicles including snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and boats, goods or services related to the renovation of any buildings, and personal protective equipment.

Norris also cosponsored several proposals, including:

• A.2044, sponsored by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia), which will create a wage tax credit for employers who employ New York National Guard men and women, reservists, volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services personnel;
• A.4686, sponsored by Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks), which will allow localities to work together and design regionally based plans to ensure internet access to rural citizens; and
• A.5708, sponsored by Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C-Schoharie), which will establish the “New York Food Insecurity, Farm Resiliency and Rural Poverty Initiative” to provide financial assistance for businesses in need.

“Promoting and improving rural equity statewide need to be top priorities on both sides of the aisle,” said Norris. “Our rural communities must have the funding and strategies necessary to revitalize infrastructure, economic development, tourism, small businesses, emergency services and more.

“I am proud to support several proposals that will not only put our rural communities back on the map but also have the backs of the people who call them home. Together, we can improve rural New York state,” concluded Norris.