ALBANY – This week, Assemblyman Joseph Angelino (R,C-Norwich) joined Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks), Assemblyman John Lemondes (R,C-LaFayette) and his Republican colleagues for a press conference to promote rural equity in the state.

Angelino said he and his colleagues are pushing for the establishment of the “Rural Mobile Communications Fund” to improve cellular service in low- to no-coverage areas (A.8134), establishing the “Rural Equity Assistance Program” to promote community  growth and development (A.8136), improving support for first responders in rural areas by giving them income tax credits (A.2654) and enacting the “Rural Energy Freedom Act” (A.9743).

  “Far too often in New York, the downstate majority decides to invest millions into services and perks for downstate, often at the expense of rural upstate areas. My colleagues and I are here to say enough is enough. Upstate New Yorkers are just as important as downstate New Yorkers and the Legislature needs to start acting like it.

“That is why we are pushing for proposals that will invest in rural communities and help to improve the lives of those living in those communities, including my proposal which will give volunteer firefighters a $2,500 income tax credit to help ease any financial burden they may face. As the last weeks of session are upon us, I urge my friends on the other side of the aisle to join us and pass these bills,” said Angelino.