Submitted Photo New York State Court of Appeals Chief Judge Janet DiFiore administers the oath of office to Senator Catharine Young, who represents the 57th Senate District, including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Livingston counties.

ALBANY — Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- 57th District) has taken her oath of office to begin her sixth full term.

Senator Young, who represents residents of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Livingston counties in the state Senate, will again serve as the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, as well as being an active member on several other committees.

“Serving the people of our community is a tremendous honor, and I am proud that they have again trusted me to act as their voice in the state Senate. The 2017 Legislative Session will be a busy and important year, especially since there are so many significant issues that need to be addressed. Our hardworking residents deserve significant tax relief, our business climate needs to be strengthened, and our communities need a strong voice against the tax-and-spend polices being pushed by downstate legislators,” Senator Young said.

Last year, Senator Young was successful in securing a number of important pro-taxpayer initiatives, progress she looks to build upon during the upcoming state budget process.

“State spending was kept under the self-imposed 2-percent cap last year, and that will be a priority for me again. We were successful in securing the lowest middle-class income tax rate in 70 years, restoring the property tax rebate checks and increasing support for our local schools. I will be working to provide greater relief for our hard-working property taxpayers and local governments. I will also be fighting to continue promoting job creation efforts and programs that are putting residents to work,” she said.

Senator Young will also be introducing a number of legislative initiatives that are important to her district.

“I will continue to sponsor legislation that improves people’s quality of life, protects public safety and nurtures economic development. People need and deserve to have good-paying jobs. Our young people must have career opportunities locally, so they can stay after they graduate. My focus remains on enacting good public policy that provides everyone with the opportunity to succeed,” said Senator Young.