New York State Senator Kemp Hannon is formally announcing his candidacy for re-election to the office of State Senator in the 6th Senate District. Committed to improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers, Senator Hannon continues to fight for tax relief on many levels. His successful tax relief programs include a new child tax credit for parents of school-age children, the elimination of New York State's marriage penalty tax, and the State tax on clothing and shoes under $110. In 2006 alone, he sponsored a cap on the New York State Gas Tax, ensured the college tuition tax deduction was available to everyone regardless of income, and used budget surplus to provide tax rebate checks directly to homeowners. Senator Hannon fought to keep the Enhanced STAR cost-of-living adjustments in place. This year's COLA increase is 13.6 %. In addition, he established the first Empire Zone in Nassau County, providing tax breaks to businesses in the area and helping bolster the local economy. He constantly reviews tax laws to see where changes benefiting the taxpayer can be made.

In speaking recently at his campaign kick-off, he said, "Today I am more committed than ever both to New York and to the solid values that have guided me throughout my years of service to the people of this great district. It's these long-held values that lead me to say to you today that we continue the progress in addressing the barriers we face in remaining in our homes ---reducing taxes, quality health care, and to achieve excellence in education.

As Chair of the Senate Health Committee, Senator Hannon is responsible for numerous laws recognizing the importance of preventative medicine, medical research and treatment of disease. He champions significant legislation in the areas of long term care, health insurance, women's health issues, and organ donation. He continually supports legislation to ensure New York State is a healthier safer place for families to live with programs such as Child Health Plus (CHP), and Family Health Plus (FHP), and for seniors, the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program. These nationally recognized programs provide coverage and support for many people otherwise unable to afford medical care and prescription drugs, and all were developed, in part, under his leadership.

Senator Hannon is recognized as the principal architect of the New York State Health Care Reform Act (HCRA), legislation which vastly improves all aspects of health care delivery and financing for all New Yorkers. He co-sponsored the Women's Health Care and Prevention Care bill, providing women with direct access to OB/GYN and improved screening practices for cancer and osteoporosis. A champion of preventative screening, he also sponsored legislation requiring insurance companies to cover mammograms for women at high risk, and to cover reconstructive surgery following mastectomies. He supported the bill creating a law establishing requirements for maternity care and hospital stays after giving birth.

Hannon is a resident of Garden City; a graduate of Chaminade High School; graduate of Boston College and Fordham Law School; serves as Special Counsel to the law firm Farrell Fritz P.C. in Nassau County and is active in community and civic affairs. He resides in Garden City with his wife, Bronwyn, and their twin daughters, Alex and Maddie.