Senator Helming Statement on Governor’s Budget Proposal

“The Governor has rightly recognized the need to support important constituencies such as small businesses, restaurants and farmers, and get our economy moving again. I agree that New York deserves its fair share from the federal government, and this is something I have advocated for in my conversations with our federal representatives. But that does not mean New York can default on its responsibility to better manage the state’s finances and get spending under control.

Proposals such as the legalization of mobile sports betting and recreational marijuana are getting a lot of attention, but would only give the state a fraction of the revenue needed to balance the budget. As we evaluate the proposals on the table, we must do so with the interests of our local job-creating small businesses, schools, communities and taxpayers in mind.”