Seward On Conference Committees

For Education, Higher-Ed Budgets

Senator Also  Alternate To Committee On Full State Budget

ALBANY – State Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, has been named to the education and higher education budget conference committees and will also serve as an alternate to the general budget conference committee made up of legislative leaders.

Regarding his education conference committee assignment Senator Seward said:

“The senate budget resolution completely erases the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) and provides record funding for our schools.  Moving forward, I will work to protect this investment in our future and ensure that our low-wealth, high-need rural schools receive their fair share of state aid.

“Education is one of the biggest portions of the state budget, and for good reason.  This funding is critical to meet classroom needs so students can excel and to help keep local property taxes in check.”

Regarding his higher education conference committee assignment Senator Seward said:

“College costs can be staggering and that’s why I am extremely pleased that substantial resources are included in the senate budget to help students and their families afford the price tag that can accompany a higher education.  By increasing support for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), offering new income tax exemptions for student loan interest, and increasing the amount of the Tuition Tax Credit, the senate plan will help students graduate college with a diploma not outrageous financial debt.”

The conference committees are made up of five senators and five assemblymen tasked with negotiating budget differences between the houses, in concert with the governor, to develop a final spending plan.  The committees conduct open, public meetings which can be viewed on-line at www.nysenate.gov.

“Bipartisan conference committees have been instrumental in producing five straight on-time budgets,  and I am confident this process will deliver again this year.  A final budget that encourages job growth, cuts taxes, holds the line on state spending, and provides for our future is within reach,” Seward concluded.