SERINO EXPRESSES EXTREME DISAPPOINTMENT IN 30-DAY AMENDMENTS

ALBANY, NY—Senator Sue Serino (R, C, I—Hyde Park) today released the following statement expressing frustration over the lack of additional funding provided for critical causes in the Governor’s 30-Day Budget Amendments which were released earlier this morning.

“I am incredibly disappointed to see that the Governor did not include additional funding in his 30-day budget amendments to meet the critical needs of our aging population and those suffering with Lyme and other tick borne diseases,” said Senator Serino. “Of course I understand there are many difficult decisions to be made, and while I commend innovative ideas to generate more tourism, I think that funding for a gondola at the State Fair, or excessive signs on the Thruway or a choreographed light show on our bridges should take a back seat to the needs of our growing aging population and those suffering debilitating diseases.”

Following the release of the Executive Budget Senator Serino, who Chairs both the Aging Committee and the Senate’s Task Force on Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases (TBDs), released a statement calling on the Governor to include funding for Lyme Disease in the amendments. She also held a joint press conference with Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D—Bingamton) and advocates from across the state to raise awareness for the glaring lack of funding dedicated to New York’s seniors and to call on the Governor to finally make their needs a priority.

Serino concluded saying, “Ensuring that basic needs are met should be a priority.  That means spending smarter and investing in resources that can actually empower New Yorkers and move our state forward.”

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