Senator Venditto Votes on Senate 2016-17 Budget Proposal That Provides Meaningful New Tax Relief, Record School Funding, and Continued Fiscal Discipline

The New York State Senate voted this week on a 2016-17 budget roadmap to a responsible and on-time spending plan that will help make New York a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family. The Senate proposal restrains state spending, provides significant new tax savings for hardworking middle-class taxpayers, and invests in the shared priorities of New Yorkers and their families. “I’m pleased to report that the State Senate is moving the State Budget process forward with a soundly balanced, fiscally responsible plan that will cut taxes, invest in education and focus on priorities that will help our communities in the Eighth Senate District,” said Senator Venditto. “One of the components included in our budget resolution is a Tax cut package. Cutting taxes helps families grow, small business create jobs and provides economic opportunity for our future generations. One of the most onerous taxes paid by businesses and consumers alike is the 18-a energy tax surcharge. In last year’s enacted budget, we made real progress in doing away with the energy tax and this year we want to finish the job. Eliminating what’s left of this tax this year will save taxpayers $125 million and reduce energy costs for businesses and consumers," said Senator Venditto. Specifically, the Senate Budget Resolution that was approved will focus on the following key elements: PROVIDING REAL TAX RELIEF FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS The Senate one-house bill includes a sweeping 25 percent income tax cut for 4 million middle-class families, giving New Yorkers the relief they need and deserve as quickly as possible. Under our plan, $3.5 billion in new income tax relief would be extended to New York taxpayers, who would receive an average savings of nearly $900. If enacted, the state’s income tax rates would be the lowest in more than 70 years. It makes the property tax cap permanent to create new jobs and extends the 2 percent cap to New York City to save taxpayers there billions of dollars. It rejects the Governor’s cap on STAR, fully funds the rebate checks this fall, and makes the STAR property tax rebate checks permanent to ensure property tax relief for years to come. The Senate budget ends an onerous energy tax surcharge that was approved by New York City Democrats that increased utility costs for consumers and businesses. It cuts taxes on private pensions, saving 377,000 seniors about $361. A RENEWED COMMITMENT TO OUR SCHOOLS The Senate budget makes another strong commitment to our schools, providing a $1.6 billion or 7.15 percent increase in year-to-year spending. It does away with every dollar that remains of the Gap Elimination Adjustment ($436 million) THIS YEAR, a scheme approved when Democrats controlled our entire state government. It adds $27.4 million in charter school grants-in-aid and another $4.6 million in non-public school aid so every child has access to a first-class education. MAKING COLLEGE MORE AFFORDABLE It provides $87 million to expand the income eligibility and award amounts for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and $295 million in tax savings from an increase in the tuition tax credit and creation of a new state income tax exemption. ENSURING TRANSPORTATION PARITY In a major victory for fairness and for job creation, Senate Republicans reestablish parity in infrastructure funding for highways, roads and bridges between upstate and downstate. INVESTING IN CRITICAL HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS The Senate Budget invests in critical health care programs for New Yorkers and their families, including approval of the proposed breast cancer screening initiative. It also restores funding for essential women’s health initiatives, combats lyme and tick-borne diseases, and supports organ donation efforts throughout the state. PROVIDING RECORD FUNDING FOR THE EPF The Senate budget includes record funding of $300 million for the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to protect our cherished natural resources and ensure clean water and clean air. RESPONDING TO THE HEROIN EPIDEMIC The Senate provides a substantial increase and record funding of $167 million to address the growing heroin epidemic and build on the success of the Senate’s Heroin and Opioid Task Force, jointly chaired by Senators Murphy, Ortt, and Amedore, which Senator Venditto sits on. STAMPING OUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Our budget establishes a domestic violence offender registry to help combat and root out the scourge of domestic violence across the state - - preventing abusers from doing more harm and protecting innocent women. TAKING ETHICS SERIOUSLY The Senate has previously approved legislation to enact term limits for legislative leaders and a constitutional amendment to take away the pension of an elected official convicted of a felony.