“While I am pleased to see that the governor’s budget included funding for infrastructure, education and health care, I am concerned with the ambiguity of this proposal in how it will impact the quality of life for New Yorkers, particularly those who reside in upstate New York. At $216.3 billion, this year’s budget is the largest in our state’s history, and I feel that we need to take a closer look at the details. I had hoped the governor would speak more on the issues plaguing our agricultural community, which is crucial to all of New York. Additionally, there needs to be a more coherent and sustainable plan to bring New York out of the current health care crisis. These are just a few of the serious issues which will need to be hashed out during the upcoming budget negotiations. Rest assured, my Minority colleagues and I will be fighting to ensure that quality of life will be improved for all of New York.”