Statement from Senator Patty Ritchie

Now that Governor Cuomo has presented his 2017-18 Executive Budget proposal, we can begin to look further into the details of the plan, as well as look for ways to ensure that things like job creation, support for schools, tax relief for hardworking New Yorkers and investments in key industries and infrastructure are made priorities in the final enacted spending plan. 

During budget negotiations, I will be advocating for support for job creation—which is something that can be accomplished by making investments in key industries, like agriculture, and by reducing taxes on small businesses.  I’ll also be looking to invest in efforts that help connect the next generation of New York’s workforce with training and more hands on educational opportunities that will help them to excel in their future careers.  Going hand in hand with efforts to spur economic growth and create jobs is support for infrastructure, and I’ll be working to see that we make these important investments that help strengthen our communities and economies statewide. 

In recent years, the Senate has been a leader when it comes to championing increases in school aid. I’m pleased to see the Governor recognize funding for education as a priority in his budget proposal, and I’ll be working again to see that our districts through Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties receive their fair share of aid to provide our students with the educational opportunities they deserve.  In addition, in my new role as Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries, I will be looking to see that investments are made that help improve the valuable resources libraries statewide offer to patrons. 

In the weeks to come, I’m looking forward to examining the specifics of the Governor’s proposal and will be working closely with my colleagues to ensure that we pass a balanced, fiscally responsible, on-time budget that meets the needs of all New Yorkers without any additional burdens on taxpayers.