Senate Republicans Fight to Restore Cuts to Libraries and Non-Public Schools

April 1, 2009
 

            Senator Kenneth P. LaValle announced that the Senate Republican Conference proposed an amendment to restore cuts to libraries and non-public schools advanced in the Governor’s budget.  The measure supported by the Conference aimed to restore the remaining $7.4 million of an $18 million cut to libraries, as well as $14 million of the $44 million cut to non-public schools.  However, the Senate Democrats voted along party lines to defeat the amendment.

            “We are facing an economic crisis that impacts residents across the state,” said Senator LaValle.  “In times like these, people turn to their local library for informational and entertainment resources. It is also important to ensure that our children’s education is not put at risk.  It is disgraceful that the Democrats have not made the hardworking taxpayers of this state their priority in this budget.”

            The Democrats’ crafted a budget behind closed doors and kept it under wraps for as long as possible.  The Senate Republicans have proposed several budget amendments on behalf of the millions of New Yorkers who don’t want to pay higher taxes.  “Passing a budget is the single most important action the Legislature undertakes,” said Senator LaValle.  “It has the largest impact on every person, family, and business in this state.  We are fighting for what the people deserve — an open debate — not a rubber stamp on a bad budget.”