Walsh outlines legislative priorities
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. >> Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, R-Ballston, says ethics reform, term limits and a permanent property tax cap are among her top priorities for the 2019 legislative session.
Walsh represents the 112th District, which consists of parts of Schenectady and Saratoga counties including the towns of Providence, Greenfield, Galway, Milton, Charlton, Ballston, Clifton Park and Halfmoon, and the village of Ballston Spa.
She was sworn in for a second term recently during ceremonies administered by Hon. Paul Pelagalli at the Saratoga County Family Court room, where she has practiced Family Court Law and been a child advocate for the past 10 years.
“It’s no secret that New York has a spending problem and its time we work to cut waste and prioritize what really matters in 2019,” Walsh said. “This year, I’ll continue to advocate for meaningful ethics reform, for a permanent property tax cap, to cut the governor’s wasteful economic development program spending on projects that aren’t working, and to enact term limits on elected officials.”
“I will also continue to fight for improved support for individuals with developmental disabilities and the increase of law enforcement’s resources to fight the opioids crisis,” she said.
Walsh has been named to the minority conference leadership team as vice chair of policy development. She has been newly appointed as the ranking member on the Committee on Education and will be a member of the Ethics and Judiciary committees. She will also continue as a member of the Mental Health, Libraries and Education Technology committees.
“With the Senate, Assembly and governor all led by the same party, there is no longer an internal check and balance of their legislative and executive actions,” Walsh said. “Now, more than ever, I feel that the minority party, of which I’m a proud member, has a critically important role to play, to shine light upon the flaws and misconceptions of policies and bills being advanced. I plan to take a very active role in debating on the floor.”
“Every single Assembly member, regardless of party affiliation, represents approximately 130,000 people, not all of whom are on board with the governor’s extremely progressive agenda,” she said. “I embrace my role as their voice in our government.”