Statement from Speaker Carl Heastie on Passage of 2018-19 Budget

The Assembly Majority is committed to making investments that ensure New York State is a better place to live, work and raise a family. With a focus on Families First, we have crafted a spending plan that makes the necessary investments to strengthen our economy, support working people and preserve essential services that are important to so many citizens.

This budget will help put New York's students on a path to achievement from pre-k to adulthood. Led by the Assembly's efforts, we invest a record $26.7 billion in our public schools and make critical investments in higher education.

New York City's transportation system is one of New York's main economic drivers and vitally important to all who live in the region. The budget provides a sustainability plan to keep our transportation networks moving safely and efficiently, including much-needed investments for public transit in New York City.

We also secured critical support for our public health systems and, despite federal uncertainties, protected funding for Medicaid and school-based health centers.

Importantly, we were able to come to an agreement to address the scourge of sexual harassment. This plan is a strong first step and we look forward to future conversations that will help us build on these efforts.

There is much more to be accomplished in the coming months as we continue to work to move our state forward. I thank the members of the Assembly Majority for their hard work and commitment in crafting a budget that helps citizens grow and thrive in New York.