Statement on State of the State, Budget Address

Albany, NY– State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R-C-I, Amherst) has issued the following statement in response to Governor Cuomo’s State of the State and Budget Address:

Infrastructure Investment

“I applaud the Governor for answering my calls for Upstate New York to get its fair share for infrastructure improvements. Our crumbling roads and bridges have been put on the back burner for far too long, especially since downstate’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority secured billions of state tax dollars last year.”

Tax Relief for Small Businesses

“Since 2011, we have made good strides to help small businesses, but we must continue working to further ease the tax burden.  I am encouraged by the Governor’s emphasis on providing more relief for small businesses. However, his proposal should serve as a starting point. It should be supplemented by eliminating burdensome and outdated regulations so it’s easier to run a business and create jobs in New York.”

Education Funding: Gap Elimination Adjustment

“I have been strongly advocating for getting rid of the Gap Elimination Adjustment budget cuts for years now.  The GEA has had a disproportionate financial strain on rural and suburban schools districts- and their property taxpayers.  It has had an even worse impact on our children.  We must bring an end to the GEA this year in an effort to build a better future for our kids.”

2016-17 State Budget

“Overall, our budget priorities should be to pass an on-time budget, for a 6th consecutive year, with spending restraint, tax relief and policies to keep our strong economy going.  In the days and weeks ahead, I will be taking a closer look at the Executive Budget proposal, while listening to feedback from Western New Yorkers.”

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