Statement By Senator Craig M. Johnson

"The governor's proposed education budget, if enacted, would have a detrimental and long-lasting impact on Long Island's schools and would put further financial strain on taxpayers that are already at the breaking point.

While New York State is facing some large and very real financial difficulties, it is unconscionable to demand our children bear this burden.

As this budget simply cannot be supported in this current form, I am eager to begin the negotiation process to raise education funding to levels that Long Island families need and our children deserve."