Senator Bonacic Announces Passage of Fiscally Responsible Budget That Protects Middle-Class Taxpayers and Invests in Our Children

(Albany, NY)-State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I-Mt. Hope) announced today that he has voted in favor of a State Budget for FY 2017-2018 that controls spending, protects hardworking taxpayers and their families, and reflects our shared values. In addition, the budget reduces burdensome costs so small businesses can create new jobs, better opportunities, and grow for the future. It also includes the largest investment in clean water in the state’s history and provides record funding for our schools.

“This has not been the easiest budget negotiation, but I believe the budget that we have passed takes meaningful steps to make New York more affordable for middle-class families,” said Senator Bonacic. “Investing in education, lowering taxes and creating jobs, investing in our infrastructure, controlling spending, and combatting heroin and opioid addiction, have always been among the priorities of the Republican Conference, and this budget addresses all of those things.”

Highlights of the FY 2017-2018 State Budget includes:

• The largest investment in state history for clean water; $2.5 billion and growing;
• The most comprehensive workers' compensation reform since 2007; saves businesses not-for-profits and municipalities $700 million annually;
• Record levels of funding for our schools of more than $25 Billion this year - a more than $1 Billion year-to-year increase, and $1.1 billion for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP);
• Expansion of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft to Long Island and Upstate to boost tourism and create new jobs;
• $3 Billion in STAR property tax relief;
• Record state funding to fight and win the battle against heroin and opioid addiction affecting our communities;
• Wins full and fair funding for direct care workers who treat and care for individuals with developmental disabilities;
• “Farm-to-Food-Bank” provision that allows farmers to claim a tax credit for donations to food banks;
• Expansion of income eligibility for child care tax credit and increase of the cap on eligible child care expenses; and
• The seventh-consecutive year of spending growth at two percent or less. This self-imposed two percent cap has saved taxpayers $41 billion since 2011.

For more information on the FY 2017-2018 State Budget please visit www.nysenate.gov.