When it Comes to Reducing Spending, Controlling Taxes and Reforming Government, Republicans Have Delivered

The 2011 legislative session was truly historic, and Senate Republicans played a key role in many of the landmark initiatives which became law.

Senate Republicans delivered an early budget that put New York on a new course – - eliminating a $10 billion deficit without raising taxes and reducing year-to-year spending for the first time since 1995.

The Legislature agreed on a plan to cap property taxes, the centerpiece of the Senate Republican agenda, so businesses could have certainty and taxpayers could get the relief they need and deserve.  In addition, Republicans insisted on $127 million in direct mandate relief so schools and local governments could better control their costs in the future.

Senate Republicans helped ensure that the State University of New York (SUNY) will continue to grow in the years ahead by enacting NY SUNY 2020.  NY SUNY 2020 is a reality because Republicans, especially Senator Grisanti, were passionate advocates for UB2020, and because Senator LaValle, our higher education chair, made it a priority.

When it comes to sweeping up the mess Democrats made in Albany and reforming our government, Senate Republicans did that too.  Newly-enacted ethics laws will give the public more information than ever about the outside employment of legislators, ensuring that no conflicts of interest exist.

Through it all, Republicans kept their commitment to running a more functional and more accountable State Senate, and sent a positive message to all New Yorkers that we have turned the page on the politics and divisiveness of the past.
While more remains to be done, Senate Republicans are off to a great start.  On the issues New York’s middle-class families are focused on, the Senate Republicans have delivered.