The state budget is so much more than just rows of numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s a very human document, a map that expresses our priorities, our values and our hopes for the future. As I help craft this year’s state budget, it’s critically important that we have an open dialogue. That’s why every year I invite the community to join me for town hall meetings to discuss the issues that matter most to you. Last year, for example, there were lively discussions on critical topics like education, ethics reform in Albany, and economic development. These conversations helped to inform me of the issues most important to local families, and to fight to ensure those were incorporated into the state budget. Last year, we were able to secure $600,000 to train students for new manufacturing jobs, an initiative that benefited local employers and the economy. The budget also included an increase in education aid of over $20 million for local schools, along with ample funding to repair our aging infrastructure. It is my goal again this year to help pass a state budget that Central New York families can be proud of. As the budget process moves forward, I’m looking forward to another productive conversation. There are so many new and important issues to discuss, from paid family leave to fully funding our schools and examining the minimum wage. I encourage you and your family to attend one of my upcoming meetings, held at the following locations:

• Thursday, March 3
  5:30-6:30 p.m.
  Northern Onondaga Public Library (NOPL) at North Syracuse
  100 Trolley Barn Lane
• Thursday, March 10
  6-7 p.m.
  Tully Town Hall
  5833 Meetinghouse Road