Metzger and Skoufis Draw Nearly 100 Attendees to Public Forum on State Budget

Senators Jen Metzger (SD-42) and James Skoufis (SD-39) hosted their second annual joint budget forum for Hudson Valley constituents. The purpose of the event was to give residents an opportunity to have their voices heard about where and how they think funds need to be allocated in the 2020-2021 State Budget. Nearly 100 residents attended and voiced the need for state support on a wide range of issues. 

“The state budget affects everything from the condition and safety of our roads to clean drinking water, our children's education, and farmland protection, and as legislators it is important that we hear directly from our constituents about their needs and budgetary priorities," said Senator Jen Metzger. "I am pleased to join with my colleague, Senator James Skoufis, in holding this budget forum to get the input of the people we represent, and I encourage constituents who could not attend today to reach out to our offices and share their views with us. We will take all this input back to Albany as we fight to make sure that our communities get their fair share of resources to meet local needs."

Senator Skoufis said, “I have worked overtime to change Albany's attitude towards the Hudson Valley, which is why, as a loud voice in the State Senate, it’s critical to continue hearing directly from my constituents while we are amidst budget negotiations in the legislature. I was pleased to host this forum for the second year running alongside my partner, Senator Metzger, and look forward to taking yesterday's testimony and using it to inform our ongoing discussions. We are still accepting written testimony and I welcome constituents to send it to our offices.” 

Tessa Killian, Executive Director of Southeastern NY Library Resources Council said, “I'm grateful to Senators Metzger and Skoufis for conducting this important budget forum at the Goshen Public Library & Historical Society. The venue itself underscores my testimony: Instead of cutting library aid, we need to increase funding to support the fundamental framework of New York State libraries, and improve the lives of residents, students, and medical staff, and to host more events of this nature. On behalf of Southeastern New York Library Resources Council, I would like to thank both Senators for taking the time to truly hear from such a variety of constituents, and I trust they will take our feedback to Albany and do what's right.”

Written testimony is still being accepted at skoufis@nysenate.gov and metzger@nysenate.gov. A full livestream of the forum can be found here.