Johnson: Budget Vetoes Will Hurt Long Island Families

State Senator Owen H. Johnson (4th Senate District, Babylon), Chairman of the Finance Committee, said that the Governor’s budget vetoes will hurt hardworking Long Island families who desperately need the tax relief that the legislative budget would have provided them.

"The complaint I most hear from the people I represent is that their property taxes are out of control," said Senator Johnson. "Our budget would really do a lot to help the people who are struggling and need relief. I find it very frustrating to see that the Governor is attempting to undo a great deal of what I consider to be real victories in this year’s legislative budget."

Senator Johnson explained that some of the items at stake include direct property tax rebate checks for homeowners, the elimination of the marriage penalty, increases in tuition assistance, critical state aid to hospitals and nursing homes, and several local initiatives including plans for a new $6.5 million state-of-the-art athletic complex at Brentwood State Park.

The Senator dismissed the notion that spending in the legislative budget was too high and could lead to a deficit. He noted that the Governor has forecast deficits in past years and, in each of those years, there’s been a surplus.

"It’s no secret that the people who live in New York State are among the highest taxed people in the nation," said Senator Johnson. "That’s why our legislative budget nixed $500 million in new taxes and fees and would have included $4.1 billion in tax cuts. The people in this state need meaningful relief, and I will be fighting to ensure that the people I represent get the help they deserve."