Statement: The Governor's Budget Proposal and State of the State Address

Governor Cuomo has presented the Legislature with a detailed executive budget for 2016.  Over the next couple of months, members of the Senate and Assembly must work to make the budget better, while ensuring that we control the cost and size of government.  The best way to control spending is to impose a permanent cap on expenditures and to make it the law of the land.  By controlling spending, we can control taxes and make it more affordable to live and work in New York.

The Senate is already on record to end the Gap Elimination Adjustment that has hurt our schools financially.  I support increased funding for our schools so that our children have the resources they need to succeed.

I also support the governor’s call to invest in our infrastructure, but we must make sure that there is parity when it comes to funding road and bridge projects so that Western New York gets its fair share.

I look forward to working with my colleagues in crafting the best budget possible.  One that encourages economic development and job creation; provides the necessary services for our residents; and ensures that the state lives within its means.

Finally, the Legislature must work hard to restore the public trust.  While it is true that you cannot legislate morality, we must insist that all elected representatives conduct their business in an honorable and trustworthy way.  It’s what our residents expect and deserve.