I am pleased that the budget the Legislature passed this week increases aid for schools and includes funding for important economic development projects, homeland security measures, health care and higher education.

This budget, however, fails to include Medicaid reform to relieve local governments and property taxpayers who are stretched to the breaking point. I fear that the overall spending increase in this budget, coupled with a lack of much-needed reforms, could further burden localities.

There is some good news for the people of New York contained in this budget, but it must be tempered by consideration of the process, itself. When we achieve something four months late that could have been done on time, something is clearly wrong with the process. I can think of no better argument for budget reform.

It is my hope that before next year's budget cycle is upon us, the Legislature will take a serious look at the Assembly Minority "On-time, Every-time" budget proposals that would make late budgets a thing of the past in New York state.