Senator Thomas Secures Record Funding for District 6 in State Budget

(Garden City, NY) – Following a marathon debate and negotiations, the Senate and Assembly completed a $175.5 billion-dollar State Budget. The 2020 budget has several items in place to improve the quality of life for Long Islanders, and specifically Senate District 6.  

• Locks in a permanent property tax cap at 2%
• Establishes $500 million for clean water infrastructure and monitoring
• Secures almost $600 million in school aid funding for District 6, an increase of more than $30 million  
• Invests at least $11 million is allocated for gang violence prevention on Long Island.
• Gains $3.7 million for veterans’ mental health programs
• Obtains billions in funding for much needed LIRR repairs and improvements
• Strengthens the MTA with an independent audit, capital funding and public reporting of on-time performance   
• Restores full $60 million for Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) to towns and villages

“This is a victory for our residents. We secured funding for our schools, public safety, water quality and the LIRR. We protected taxpayers by making the property tax cap permanent and remaining under the 2 percent state spending cap. I am proud to have passed an on-time, fiscally responsible budget that prioritizes the hard working families of Long Island,” Senator Thomas said.