December 29, 2011
Partner with Me to Turn 2012 Challenges Into Catalysts for Change
Legislative Column from Assemblyman Mark Johns (R,C-Webster)
At the end of the year, we reflect on what we’ve done and what needs to be done for the coming year. I can’t ponder these things without feeling an overwhelming sense of gratefulness for the guidance and advice you all share with me every day.
Over the past year, I have corresponded with more than 3,500 constituents and held nearly 300 meetings with residents and local organizations to discuss the matters that mean the most to all of us –reviving our economy and creating jobs so we can provide for our families, keep our cost of living affordable and get Albany to work for the people – not special interests. As I continue to meet and talk to many of you directly, I have learned that we all share a common desire – to make New York a better place where futures and families can thrive.
Troubling fiscal conditions this year provided state government the motivation and opportunity to reform our state by correcting years of overspending and overreliance on big government. With your support, I fought to consolidate government agencies and help close a multi-billion dollar budget deficit that threatened New York’s ability to function. I also fought for and voted in favor of strong new ethics reforms to end years of failed self-policing in the Legislature.
As we began to reform Albany, I also fought for measures to help keep New York competitive in the global marketplace. Programs like Excelsior Jobs, Investment, and Research and Development Tax Credits, will help to strengthen our historically inventive manufacturing and business sectors. These incentives, in addition to $68.8 million being invested in our region, will help reposition our area as the innovative powerhouse it once was.
But there is more work ahead.
We must face the seemly insurmountable challenges that lie ahead in 2012 and transform them into catalysts of change. New York has capped property taxes – it’s now time to lessen the burden which unfunded mandates pose on local governments and schools. We need to cut spending to prevent rampant unsustainable growth of the state budget and prevent rising tax levies on working families.
We are eager for success, and are willing to invest and put the hard work in to improve the economy and create jobs. We need to provide businesses with an environment which they can thrive by lifting and removing layers of regulation and red tape that has been hampering our ability to grow.
I need you as a partner and welcome your input, ideas and support as we continue to reform Albany. Let’s work together to enact real mandate relief, control spending, halt government interference and adopt fair redistricting and election laws.
I encourage each of you to continue reaching out to me with the challenges you face and I will make every effort to assist you where I am able. Don’t hesitate to share an idea or an opinion with me on how to make our state better for you. It’s as easy as emailing johnsm@assembly.state.ny.us or calling (585) 223-9130. Thank you for the honor of serving you.
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