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JANUARY: TOO FAR AWAY
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The state Legislature is not due back in Albany until January, but there are too many issues of importance to New York residents to wait that long. The Senate has plans to call for a special session before the year ends, but there is no word from the Assembly Democratic majority.
Many issues left unresolved at the end of the 2005 session must be acted on before the new year. My Assembly Republican colleagues and I are ready and willing to return and work diligently to resolve them.
Suspending the state sales tax on gasoline is the most time-sensitive issue facing New York. We've seen gas prices raise drastically in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. There is legislation, of which I am a co-sponsor, calling for the temporary suspension of the gas tax through March 31, 2006.
Civil confinement, a cornerstone of the Assembly Republican agenda and an issue I have been adamantly lobbying for, has been continually ignored and passed over by Assembly Democrats. Our children, who depend on us as parents, grandparents and guardians, are much too important for this legislation not to be passed.
Workers' compensation reform is yet another issue that has been ignored by Assembly Democrats, yet is absolutely vital to the revitalization of New York as a business powerhouse. By reforming workers' compensation, we can make it easier for businesses to move into and expand in New York, thus creating better, high-quality jobs.
Education funding has been on the Legislature's plate for too long. We managed to go through yet another session without coming to any conclusion on this matter. It is not an option of whether there will be school funding increases; the courts have decided that already. Unfortunately the meetings between the governor and leaders from the state's houses have come to no avail. I believe we, as the entire Legislature, can solve this issue once and for all - but not if we don't meet.
There are too many issues that are being delayed and will be affected if the Legislature does not take action before 2005 ends. Join me in calling on the Assembly Democrats, led by Speaker Sheldon Silver, to call a special session so we can do our jobs, so that we can make a better New York.
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WELCOME HOME, TROOPS
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From all across the United States there are brave men and women defending the American way of life. Whether they are deployed overseas or returning home from the war on terror, these men and women who have so selflessly put their lives on hold deserve our utmost respect - and thanks.
Recently, two buses filled with local National Guardsmen returned home to Geneva. More than 500 ecstatic family members, friends and neighbors greeted the troops, who served in Iraq since October 2004.
A member of the group, Pvt. Stephen Tschiderer, a medic, was shot in the chest by an enemy sniper during an incident in Iraq. Amazingly, Tschiderer was able to get up, thanks to his protective body armor, track down and capture the insurgent sniper. The sniper, who also was wounded, was treated by Tschiderer - an ode to the courage and compassion of our American soldiers.
Soldiers like Tschiderer and countless others are the pride of America, and especially of the Central New York and Finger Lakes regions. These men and women represent America by being honest, caring, brave and strong. They represent the ideals we hold closest to our hearts and that make us the greatest nation in the world.
It's no secret we are a state and nation divided over the validity of the war in Iraq. Regardless of our feelings about the war, I think we can all agree that our military personnel at home and those who are serving overseas need and deserve our respect and support. They need to know we appreciate what they do and everything they give up.
I offer my most sincere thanks to all soldiers who have given of themselves to protect us and our way of life. They are fighting for our freedom. I welcome them home as heroes and pray for the safe return of their soldier colleagues.
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