Assemblyman David G. McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) and the members of the Assembly Minority conference today announced a new action plan designed to reinvigorate the state’s economy, reform state government, protect New Yorkers, improve the education system and enrich New Yorkers’ quality of life.

"Excelsior 2005: A Blueprint for Growth and Reform in the Empire State" is a list of legislative priorities for the Assembly Minority conference this year. The plan is the conference’s most comprehensive agenda to date, building on last year’s Roadmap to Renewal and 2003’s NY First plans.

"Our comprehensive package of proposals will help keep our residents safer at home and in their communities, provide quality educational opportunities for all of our children, reform the way state government conducts business, initiate innovative tourism proposals and create an atmosphere for economic growth by helping manufacturers and small businesses thrive," said McDonough.

Excelsior, Latin for "ever upward," was adopted as the state’s motto in 1778. Excelsior 2005 is a comprehensive package that combines new ideas and improves and expands existing programs to make New York state a better place to live, work and do business. The plan contains five areas of focus and addresses the most important needs of New Yorkers:

A less intrusive and more efficient government – proposals are designed to make state government more open, responsive and efficient, end 20 years of late state budgets, reduce the costs of government regulation, shrink state debt, relieve taxes, encourage intermunicipal cooperation and lay a foundation for redistricting reform. In addition, the Assembly Minority conference proposes comprehensive mandate relief, including a gradual state takeover of all local Medicaid costs, initiatives to make state public authorities operate more efficiently, and increased ethics and government credibility.

Opportunities for work and prosperity – includes numerous proposals to encourage job growth by reducing the costs of energy, taxes and regulations. This section also includes several proactive programs to encourage growth in small business, manufacturing and agriculture with grants, tax credits and regulatory reforms. The plan also supports comprehensive workers’ compensation reform, expansion of New York’s successful Empire Zone program, and innovative new tourism initiatives.

Ensuring a quality education for our children – these proposals recognize the critical role education plays in New York’s future. This plan reinforces our commitment to adequate operating aid, parental involvement in education, increased financial oversight of schools, recognition of exceptional students and teachers, and the best use of education dollars. This plan would also prohibit new unnecessary mandates on schools, streamline district paperwork and reporting requirements, increase opportunities and funding for programs that expose children to computers, and support additional enrichment programs. Also included are ideas to ensure that college graduates can meet the high-tech needs of employers today and in the future, as well as keep New York students safe from hazing and bullying.

Safer communities – these bold anti-crime measures would keep our roads safe, protect New Yorkers from terrorism, reduce urban crime and combat drugs, including the growing methamphetamine problem. This plan includes "zero tolerance" measures to protect women and children from violent sexual attacks and a resolution to fix the loophole in the current death penalty law.

Protecting our quality of life – includes a series of programs targeted at enhancing the availability and affordability of housing, health care, child care, and new programs and benefits for active duty National Guard members, veterans and immigrants.