Statement from Senator Avella Regarding Extender Vote

“Today, I joined my colleagues in the Senate to vote on a extender in order to avoid a shutdown of the state government while negotiations for a deal on a new budget continue. My vote, however, was not for a new budget. I voted on this extender to ensure that emergency responders, teachers, highway construction projects, and other government provided services that are so important to our daily lives can continue without interruption and so that the entire state can continue its daily operations while us legislators continue to hammer out a deal.

“I still refuse to vote for any budget that does not have Raise the Age included. Any budget that leaves out Raise the Age is a non-starter. The extender is merely an extension of the current budget to avoid a total shutdown of the government while we come to terms on a new deal. That is why I voted in favor of it. I look forward to the day that I can vote “aye” on a new budget that includes progressive issues I care deeply about, like Raise the Age.”