Statement by State Senator Tony Avella on Today’s Passage of the State Budget

Senator Tony Avella stated, “The budget which was passed today is the budget of filled promises and accomplished goals. This year, the State budget delivered on the promise to protect middle class families with a homeowners and renters tax credit, to provide a $1.1 billion increase in overall public school aid, to implement a state-wide universal Pre-K program, to address the highly controversial Common Core and student privacy concerns, to enhance EPIC and SCRIE programs which are vital to senior citizens, as well as to increase the Tuition Assistance Award program and to provide a 2% Cost of Living Adjustment for direct care workers.  And these are just to name a few.  I am proud to stand with my colleagues today to say that this was a job well done.  Although our work on campaign finance reform, traffic safety needs, and strengthening environmental programs is not yet finished, I will continue to work with State Legislators to ensure that the discussion on these important issues does not cease.”