A state budget agreement was announced as being ready for passage this week in Albany, and State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) immediately commented with satisfaction as to the document’s priorities and timeliness.
“[This] budget agreement sets New York on course to approve an on-time spending plan for a second consecutive year. [More importantly it] meets upstate needs, provides incentives for private sector job growth and closes a $3.5 billion budget gap without raising taxes,” Seward said.Additional school aid was included, after having been reduced, for rural, low-wealth districts—a Seward priority.
Community colleges also benefited, ensuring quality and affordability, Seward said.
“Improvements for upstate roads and bridges, and state park rehabilitation [are also included],” Seward said.
The budget also aids senior citizens by fully restoring EPIC funding to help cover the costs of prescription drugs, according to Seward.
“There is also a nod to government efficiency and mandate relief through state agency consolidations and a phased state takeover of local government Medicaid administration expenses,” he said.
The budget also continues New York’s drive toward economic resurgence, according to Seward. “Overall, the budget agreement meets [our] priorities,” he said.
