Our state and region have had a tough few years facing mounting challenges, the economic downturn and flooding in the Mohawk Valley.
It hasn’t been easy, and we’ve had to rely on each other to help us through.
Throughout the budget negotiations, I focused on what would help our region recover and grow stronger.
Naturally, there were parts of the budget that I rejected, like the portion that would fund a database to further infringe on law-abiding gun owner rights…
But there were more areas that I wanted to approve, to help you, the job creators and families of our region.
Our economy needs investment and tax relief.
I voted in favor of important tax reforms and relief for manufacturers, estate transfers of family-owned businesses and farms, and other measures that will strengthen New York’s economy.
Additionally, we invested in programs to encourage international trade, regional economic development, agricultural development and technological growth.
Additionally, for our region, I was proud to vote in favor of investing $180 million into the Nano Utica partnership in Marcy.
This program will attract $1.5 billion in private investment and jobs to our region.
As we invest in our region’s economy and in innovation, we must make sure our students’ educations will meet their needs and prepare them for the jobs of the future.
Most importantly, this means supporting our public schools.
We increased school aid by $1.1 billion and returned a portion of the school funding taken in the 2011-12 budget.
Additionally, in this budget, we passed reforms of Common Core that mirror parts of my conference’s Achiev-ing Pupil Prepared-ness and Launching Excellence (APPLE) Plan.
The budget reforms were a start, but the APPLE Plan goes further.
I will continue to advocate for its full passage.
Finally, many of you are still facing challenges recovering from last year’s Mohawk Valley floods.
I helped pass the Mohawk Valley Assessment Relief to allow local schools and municipalities to reduce property taxes for residents who faced at least 10 percent losses to their homes.
This program will help middle-class families who suffered during this disaster.
Even though the budget is complete, I will still advocate for the items that were missing, like unfunded mandate relief and a relief plan for families that does more than simply freeze property taxes.