PRESS RELEASE: Statement by Senator Bonacic on Governor Cuomo's Budget Proposal

John J. Bonacic

January 21, 2014

STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN BONACIC

On Governor Cuomo’s Budget Proposal

I applaud Governor Cuomo for presenting a balanced budget that holds the line on spending.   His proposal to increase aid to schools statewide by $1.8 billion over the next two years, including providing the funding for universal full day Pre-K, is a step in the right direction.  However, I will fight to ensure that school districts in the Hudson Valley and Catskills will get their fair share of any increase in education funding. 

Lowering property taxes for our struggling homeowners has been our number one goal.  New York has the highest property taxes in the nation and these taxes have been too high for too long.  The Governor has proposed both a property tax freeze, as well as a property tax “circuit breaker”  as part of his Executive budget.  As I always have, I will be advocating during the budget process for long overdue tax relief for struggling homeowners.

 Over the last few years, we have been successful in passing an early and balanced budget.  I look forward to working with the Governor to pass a timely budget that addresses our State and local priorities.  

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