“As Central New York reopens and rebuilds after an incredibly challenging two years, I pushed for critical investments in the Assembly budget proposal to help our families and local businesses thrive. Funding included in the plan supports small businesses, students, and homeowners through these challenging times. The Assembly proposal accelerates the middle-class tax cuts, provides $2.2 billion in property tax relief checks and expands the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit.

“As chair of the Assembly Small Business Committee, I fought to include $6 million within the Innovation Venture Competition program to support Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer matching grants. Community colleges prepare our workforce for emerging industries and well-paying jobs. To support these institutions, the Assembly proposal includes $200 million in state operating funds for SUNY, $60 million for SUNY community colleges and $48.8 million to fully reimburse and eliminate the ‘TAP gap’ in the SUNY system. The TAP gap is the difference between the maximum Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award and actual tuition costs for students.

“As negotiations continue to reach a final agreement, the state budget must provide financial relief for our families and businesses while investing in the long-term success of the state's workforce, economy and taxpayers. I’ll keep fighting for Central New Yorkers to get their fair share and ensure the state budget makes meaningful investments in our communities.”