Statement from Senator Valesky on Passage of the New York State Budget

Today, the New York State Senate passed a responsible budget that, in the midst of the worst economic situation since the Great Depression, made tough and necessary choices to close a $17 billion dollar deficit while protecting vital services and programs for the people of New York State.

Contrary to what has been said in packaged sound bytes and calls of doom and gloom from special interests, this budget protects the core values we hold high in Upstate New York—education, agriculture, health care, and job creation.

 I am optimistic that this budget will provide the state and our Upstate communities with a solid first step toward economic recovery, and am confident that we will soon see benefits in those communities in the weeks and months ahead. 

Senator David Valesky represents the 49th Senate District, and is Vice President Pro-Tempore of the New York State Senate.