Statement from Senator Patty Ritchie on the Executive Budget Proposal

Governor Cuomo’s Executive Budget is a starting point for the Legislature to improve on, and build a spending plan that helps create jobs, boost economies statewide, cut taxes and invest in efforts that make life more affordable—and create more opportunity—for all New Yorkers.

In recent years, New York State has made strides toward cutting red tape and taxes to attract more businesses, and help existing businesses stay here. However, our work is far from over. We need to continue to work to create a more business friendly environment that provides regulatory relief, helps to stimulate growth and creates much-needed jobs, especially in Upstate New York.

We need to continue to invest in key industries—like manufacturing and of course, agriculture, which is our state’s leading industry—and a way of life for so many people in the region I represent. As Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I will be fighting in the coming weeks to restore cuts in the Executive Budget proposal to key agriculture programs that help our hardworking farmers succeed and protect the future of the industry.

Providing our children with a quality education, that prepares them for the future, is also of tremendous importance. During budget negotiations, I will be working to ensure our region gets its fair share of school aid dollars so that every child has an opportunity to succeed.

I look forward to studying the details of the Governor’s budget proposal more closely in the days to come. As negotiations begin, I will be working to be a voice for Central and Northern New York to ensure the final enacted state budget is fiscally responsible, on time and meets the needs of people in our region without any additional burden on hardworking taxpayers.