People are more important than politics, and my main priority is working in Albany on behalf of my constituents during the legislative year. My priorities for them are to be able to prosper, thrive, and have their constitutional freedoms protected. When making policy decisions, I keep these priorities in mind.
Our economy has been slowly recovering from a downturn. As elected officials, we are committed to investing in our state through the regional economic development councils and programs offered by the state Department of Agriculture and Markets. While this is a start, rapid economic revival will be accomplished by reforming our business climate, which is now hindered by excessive regulation and taxes. Our state and its people deserve a prosperous economy that will offer them better-paying jobs, which is why it is so important to make these changes.
Our state’s educational system is the key to giving our children the tools to thrive and grow into productive and accomplished adults. Our schools and students have faced many challenges, from an unfair school-aid formula, to funds taken from them to pay for the spending mistakes of Albany, to the poor implementation of the Common Core standards. I will be encouraging my legislative colleagues to make important reforms, to return funding, and to distribute school aid fairly to our children. Educating our youth will ensure a better future for us all — this must be a priority.
Lastly, as Americans, we are afforded constitutional freedoms which should be upheld and protected here in New York. I will not abandon my resolve to fight for the repeal of the so-called SAFE Act, which has trampled on our Second Amendment rights. It is important for us to remain vigilant and protect the freedoms guaranteed to us by our forefathers.
Marc W. Butler (R,C,I–Newport) is a New York State Assemblyman for the 118th District, which encompasses parts of Oneida, Herkimer, and St. Lawrence counties, as well as all of Hamilton and Fulton counties. Contact him at butlerm@assembly.state.ny.us
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