Hannon: 'Changes to the Albany Status Quo were Long Overdue'

With the close of the 2011 legislative session, I wanted to take the time to inform you about several of the landmark reforms that I successfully fought to accomplish in partnership with Governor Andrew Cuomo.

A Responsible On-Time Budget: The newly enacted on-time budget closed a $10B deficit without raising taxes or fees. It restores fiscal integrity by reducing state spending for the first time in years and it will help create new jobs by allowing burdensome taxes on small businesses to expire.

A Strong Property Tax Cap: The firm 2 percent tax cap I voted for will begin to ease the burden of out-of-control tax increases. It will help to ensure more prudent and responsible budgeting at the local government and school district level; and it will protect the quality of our children’s education, while also making us a national leader in controlling property taxes.

Historic Ethics Reform: The new ethics law which I supported will bring unprecedented transparency to New York State government. It strengthens disclosure requirements for elected officials and establishes a strong, independent ethics commission and will ensure a more open and accountable government for all New Yorkers.

For more information on what I was able to accomplish, visit kemphannon.com.

While these changes to the Albany status quo were long overdue, there is much more work that still needs to be done. I will be sure to keep you posted.