New York

New York Republicans
by Keysha M. Griffith

           Brief History of New York State
           New York is the 3rd largest State in the United States. Albany is its capital. Within New York State, NYC is the center of World Finance, Business and Communication. It Has an area of 49,576 square miles (128,402 sq. km). Its population in 1990 was 17,990,455, a 2.5% increase over 1980 population.   In 1996 there was an estimate of 18,184,774 population. The New York State ranked 2nd in the nation in population after California in both 1990 and 1980. Of the people counted in 1990, about 73.6% identified themselves as whites, 15.7% as blacks, .34% as American Indians, 3.8% as Asians, and 5.4% belonging to other races. Some 12.1% people, of various races claimed Hispanic origin. More than 85% of the population was living in the urban area.
           New York has the largest Educational System in the United States. New York also offers a wealth of specialized educational programs. New York City is the only city in the United States with a large public–university system. Although public schools have a high truancy and drop out rate by occasional violence on school property and by a deteriorating physical plant, the system has compiled an enviable record of achievement in many areas. In 1983 there were 925,000 students in the public schools of NYC. There were about 70% of black or Hispanic in the public schools. The oldest wealthiest and most famous of New York major education institution is “Columbia University”.
Politics in New York is complicated by many factors. New York has a wide diversity of economic interests, racial, religion and national groups makes it difficult for the Government to satisfy competing demands. Also, because of the State’s large electoral vote New York Governors often regard themselves as potential candidates for the presidency and afterward they tend to introduce national issues into state politics. The provisions of services, commerce, and manufacturing provide the main economic support for New York City.
           NYS Republican Party Platform
           Governor George E. Pataki is the highest elected Republican official. He has been in office since November 8, 1994. On November 3, 1998, Governor Pataki was re-elected. He received more than 1 million votes, the largest landslide for a Republican Governor in New York History.
           Governor George E. Pataki and The NYS Republicans agenda is to make NYS a better place for American People. By doing so effectively, they compiled a poll of how the American people felt about various issues and they were able to consolidate a Party Platform that will hopefully satisfy and benefit the American people.
           Below is a requested list the American people ask for:
           1. American People wanted income taxes to be cut.
           2. Welfare Receipents to work for their benefits.
           3. Tougher Sentences for Violent Criminals.
           4. Protection for Child Abuse victims.
           5. Create more jobs.
           6. Put more money into Education.
           7. Improve Health Care.
           8. Reduce the size and cost of State Government.
           Governor George Pataki and the NYS Republicans Party state that they succeeded in obliging the American People request.
           The New York State Republican Party Platform is as follows:
           Social Polices:
           Health Care
           The Health Care in New York has improved. New York now has the strongest managed Care Bill of Rights to protect the patients and their doctors. New rights along with new
research and detection tools have been given to women to help fight one of the leading causes of death Breast Cancer. Campaigns are being organized to prevent pregnant women along with adolescent from destroying their lives by smoking. NYS has funded more treatment facilities for newborns that have been exposed to the AIDS virus. NYS have expanded Health Care Services for uninsured children as well. Governor Pataki has build a “NY Child Health Plus Program” for the uninsured and they are using it as a model to attract more health care workers nationally to come and service over 400,000 previously uninsured children. It will generate long-term health care savings and save historic commitment to charity care and public health.
           Welfare
           Governor Pataki has established a “Workforce Program” for welfare recepients. This new program has reduced the welfare rolls by 632,000 people and decline of 38% (through Oct 1998). The purpose of Workfare is to produce morality amongst Welfare Receipents. Also, Workfare prevents welfare receipents from collecting money permanently from the government. Also, in New York State, persistent deadbeat parents are penalized, their driver’s licenses are being suspended. By suspending their licenses   the rate of the child support collection has risen to 2%, because it is helping 54,000 families move off welfare. Also, suspended licenses helps to encourage quality parenting responsibility for their children.
           Education
           Schools are receiving valuable resources that they need to help the students. More attention is being placed on classrooms instead of Administration. Governor Pataki has establish a “New York Wired for Education Program.” With this new program
           All schools are to be wired to the internet and new technology will be delivered to the classrooms. Governor Pataki is trying to turn NY into a leadership State by using the lottery funds. Governor Pataki wants to reinforce “The Lottery’s” original purpose of using the funds to help students improve academically.
           Crime
           Governor Pataki has restored the death penalty. He ended Parole, Work Release Programs and toughened sentences for Violent Criminals. As a result, the murder rate has reduced by 45 percent since Governor Pataki has been in office. Surveys show that New Yorkers feel safer than they have in years. Governor Pataki is against Child and Domestic Abuse. He has signed off on two new Laws one called “Megan’s Law” to inform neighbors in communities that a convicted child molester is moving into their neighborhood. Also a second law “Domestic Violence Protection” gives domestic violence victims new rights to ensure that they are being treated fairly. By doing so, Governor Pataki is giving access to sealed incident reports to investigators. Governor Pataki also toughened the penalties for violating orders of protection for abused victims.
           Economic Issues:
           Taxes
In 1996, New York State has cut taxes more than all other 49 States combined. Since Governor Pataki has been in office, New Yorker’s State income tax bill have reduced about 25%. The tax burden imposed by the state is now at its lowest level since 1972.
           Governor Pataki has also established “Star Program” this is a new program that will cut and reduce New Yorker’s school taxes by 27%; 45% for senior citizens. The sales tax for clothing under $110 is being eliminated, and New York’s “Added on Estate’s Tax” has been eliminated. Governor Pataki plan for 1999 is to call for $1 billion in new tax cuts. So far he has cut taxes 36 times, saving taxpayers $19 billion. He says the savings will rise to $52 billion when all the new taxes goes into effect.
           Environment
           Governor Pataki is still continuing to promote economic growth. He is protecting natural resources for NY, now and as well as for new generations to come. He has strengthened NY Water Environment Quality. Projects are seeing $1 billion from the bond act.
           The World biggest landfill, Fresh Kills, will be closed in the year 2001. Governor Pataki has freed $80 million to help close outdated landfills and a large amount to continue protecting the water quality.
           Fiscal Prudence
           The size and cost of the state government has been reduced. For the first time in 50 years, the state workforce has declined by10% since 1995.
           New York State has a fund called the “Rainy Day Fund” – this is a fund used when the economy is doing poorly. For the first time New York has eliminated its accumulated deficit, New York has ran 4 consecutive budget surpluses. Governor Pataki says: “Conservative budgeting and smart economic policies have allowed us to devote our resources to new ideas”.
           Jobs
           The job rates are higher than it has been in years. More jobs are being created and the business confidence level is strenghening as well. Also, the percentage of private sector jobs growth are escalating. In 1998, 419,300 New Yorkers secured private sector jobs. This was the first time Private Sector employment has grown in 11 years. IBM is even expanding. They are creating a Computer Chip Research Facility in the Hudson Valley Area.
           In conclusion, Governor Pataki and the NYS Republicans are really trying to expand New York State, they are trying to make it a better place for more people to come and visit and also make it a better and safer environment for the American People to live and feel protected.