Senator James Seward met with Herkimer County officials on Thursday to discuss his priorities for the 2019 legislative session.

Seward says he'll focus on creating opportunities for economic growth while improving the state's affordability.

Seward says he's joined with his colleagues to advance the Senate Republican "Real Solutions" budget plan.

The "Real Solutions" budget plan focuses on three basic principles:

  • Balancing the budget without any new taxes or fees AND providing real and significant relief to hardworking taxpayers
  • Fixing the state’s affordability crisis to give middle-class taxpayers a fighting chance to succeed and get ahead
  • Revitalizing New York’s economy so residents can find a good-paying job, take advantage of new and better opportunities and raise their families here.

"This marks my 17th term as a state senator.  Many things have changed over the years, but I have never lost sight of the reason I first ran for office - to serve the public, and help improve the lives of the people who call this area home," said Seward.  "There are real challenges ahead; however, I know that we have great potential here in the 51st senate district and across New York State.

As the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, Seward says he'll be front and center during state budget deliberations.

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