Statement by New York State Senate Co-Leader Dean G. Skelos

The recent action by Moody’s Investors Service to upgrade the State’s economic outlook to positive is good news for hardworking taxpayers and indisputable proof of the importance of having a Republican voice in New York State government.

Over the last three years, Republicans have restored steady, functional leadership to the Senate, ended the partisan gridlock, and produced early budgets that have eliminated deficits, restrained spending and protected taxpayers - - a marked departure from when Democrats alone controlled the chamber.

This year, we worked on a bipartisan basis with Governor Cuomo and Senator Klein’s Independent Democratic Conference to keep spending flat, speed up elimination of the job-killing 18-a energy tax and provide a $350 tax break to middle-class families with children.

While there is more to be done to reduce taxes, help the private sector create new jobs and preserve the economic progress that we have achieved together, it’s clear that this state is moving in a positive direction.  

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