Assemblywoman Gunther
Aileen Gunther is fighting for a stronger economy in Sullivan County


Dear Friends,

For too long, the Mid-Hudson region has experienced a mass exodus of residents caused by high taxes and a shortage of good-paying jobs. Fortunately, new leadership in Albany is making it possible to get better results that will help turn our state around.

Reforming New York’s broken workers’ compensation system is one major achievement. The law-negotiated with the Business Council and the AFL-CIO-will lower the cost of doing business and ensure injured workers receive adequate benefits.

With Governor Eliot Spitzer taking the helm, a casino in Sullivan County is closer than ever to becoming a reality. By working together with federal officials, I know we can help make the Catskills the tourist destination they once  were.

These are positive steps that will revitalize our tourism industry and strengthen the local economy. I look forward to working with Governor Spitzer to build on this positive momentum and get New York State back on track.

Sincerely,

signature Aileen Gunther
Member of Assembly








Aileen helped fix the state’s broken and expensive workers’ compensation program (Ch. 6 of 2007) which will result in up to a 15 percent reduction in workers’ compensation rates and the first increase in benefits for injured workers in over a decade.

The law will:

  • Establish strong anti-fraud measures

  • Create innovative programs to get workers prompt medical treatment and help them return to employment

  • Set the number of years some claimants can receive benefits, though medical benefits will continue

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If you would like to learn more about the new workers’ compensation law, call toll-free:

Workers’ Compensation Board - (877) 632-4996







photo The casino project is estimated to create more than 3,000 good-paying jobs and attract thousands of tourists from New York City. Under the compact, the state will receive 20 percent of revenues from slot machines for the first two years, 23 percent for the next two years, and 25 percent thereafter. The Mohawks have also pledged to pay Sullivan County and the village of Monticello a total of $20 million annually for hosting the casino.
"This is a great deal for New York State as well as Sullivan County and the surrounding communities. Governor Spitzer has sent a letter of support to U.S. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, and it’s now up to Washington for the project’s final approval."
- Aileen Gunther
"I fully support the casino agreement negotiated by Governor Spitzer. It will strengthen our economy and reinvigorate our tourism industry."
- Aileen Gunther


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Update on Swinging Bridge Dam

Swinging Bridge is the largest fishing and boating lake in Sullivan County. When it’s not up and running, our local businesses suffer. That’s why Aileen continues to work with local officials to hold Mirant accountable and make sure they make necessary repairs and restore the water levels-even after it is sold.

"I’m working to make sure we have a new owner that will take care of the reservoir. While the best solution may be for the state to assume control, I won’t give up until we get results."
- Aileen Gunther


Victory against NYRI power line

There’s no question that NYRI is now listening to the many residents who got involved, attended meetings, and filled out postcards-which Aileen forwarded to the Public Service Commission seeking to deny their application. The Canadian-based company has announced it is looking into alternative routes, including the Thruway and the existing Marcy-South power line. Aileen continues to work with Communities Against Regional Interconnect (CARI) and Gov. Spitzer to fight the proposed power line.

"We’ve succeeded in keeping this power line from seizing and devaluing our properties, ruining our beautiful landscape and negatively impacting our region’s tourism. We must continue to support alternative energy exploration."
- Aileen Gunther


Assemblymember Gunther Assemblymember
 Aileen M. Gunther
19 South Street
Middletown, N.Y. 10940
845-342-9304

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