Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D-Forestburgh) announced her appointment to six important Assembly committees – the Real Property Taxation; Agriculture; Racing and Wagering; Tourism, Arts and Sports Development; and Environmental Conservation – and her newest appointment, the Health Committee.

"I am honored to serve on these committees that deal with a wide array of important issues to our region and our families," Gunther said. "When these committees meet this year, you can be sure that the needs of Orange and Sullivan county families will be addressed."

Gunther said her seat on the Health Committee is a highlight of her committee assignments.

"As a nurse for 29 years, I have seen first-hand the importance of health care," Gunther said. "Serving on the Health Committee will help me expand access to health care and ensure HMOs put patients before profits."

Gunther also said her seat on the Real Property Taxation Committee will allow her to carefully analyze the complex tax issues facing our region and state. "Sitting on this committee will allow me to help our families keep more of their hard-earned money by looking at ways to keep property taxes down and closing loopholes that some taxpayers use to avoid paying their fair share," Gunther said.

In addition, Gunther will use her appointment to the Real Property Taxation Committee to address the issue of lost revenues due to the governor’s plan for five casinos in Sullivan County. With casino land coming off the tax rolls of the county Gunther will work to ensure that any lost revenue will be offset.

As a member of both the Racing and Wagering, and the Tourism, Arts and Sports Development committees, Gunther fight to ensure that the outcome of the governor’s proposed casino construction will be in the best interest of our community – including a fair share of the revenue they will create.

To help local farmers, Gunther will work on the Agriculture Committee to invest in new programs to help strengthen and preserve the agriculture industry.

As new businesses are attracted to our region, Gunther will work on the Environmental Conservation Committee to ensure that our environment is protected. "Bringing new jobs and revenue to our community will help our families, but we must ensure that our natural resources are protected and preserved. We must not lose sight of the fact that our area’s natural beauty above all else makes it a great place to live and raise a family," Gunther said.

"I look forward to bringing my energy and insight to each of these committees in order to help the working families and businesses in Orange and Sullivan counties," Gunther said.