Mary Lou Rath Senate - 61st
R, C, I

Rath

It has been an honor to represent the people of the 61st Senate District and on Nov. 7, I ask for your support again. As a lifelong resident of Western New York, I received a Bachelor of Science degree from Buffalo State Teachers' College. My husband, the late State Supreme Court Justice Edward Rath, and I are the parents of three children, and I am now blessed with eight grandchildren.

My approach to accountable government is rooted in common sense. New York's hardworking taxpayers are overburdened, and I am standing firm against any new taxes or fees. I am focused on providing real property tax relief by controlling state spending and paying down our state's debt. We are working toward building a stronger local economy by investing in small businesses and high-tech industries. And I continue to make sure education funding actually goes into the classroom for our children and their teachers, instead of supporting educational bureaucracy.

One of my top legislative goals has been substantial, yet responsible Medicaid reform. Last year, the state Legislature capped county Medicaid expenses. The action has exceeded expectations, and for years 2005 and 2006 Erie County will have saved more than $22 million.

This year, the Legislature passed a bill that I co-sponsored, which will root out fraud, waste and abuse in the Medicaid system. This antifraud plan is the most comprehensive in the nation and is expected to save New York State billions of dollars.

I look forward to returning to the state Senate to continue my work on new legislation and reforms aimed at making New York State a better place to live, work and raise a family.