Assemblyman Brian Miller (R,I,C,Ref-New Hartford) released a number of statements today regarding measures of specific concern during this year’s budget negotiations:

Miller on Budget Funding For Repair and Upkeep of Local Roads

“The enacted budget will include no increased funding for local road and bridge repairs in upstate, for the seventh straight year. In fact, $65 million was cut from last year. The roads we travel every day continue to become more hazardous, but the state refuses to properly fund the necessary repairs and maintenance. What’s more, downstate will receive nearly $2 billion to maintain its roads, while upstate receives only $500 million for one of the largest systems of roads in the country. Make no mistake, this isn’t about trying to be divisive, this is about wanting parity and saving lives. We cannot continue to travel on dangerous roads, but we need adequate levels of funding to address this major issue. Why does the state always find an abundance of funding for downstate, but struggle when it comes to the major needs of upstate?”

Miller on Election Reform Measures

“This year, we have already passed significant measures to expand opportunities to vote. Why are we now putting employers out every time there is any kind of election? Small business owners will suffer from this latest measure as they will be responsible for paying three hours’ worth of wages while employees go to vote. At the same time, the business will either be short staffed, or pay another three hours of wages for an additional employee to cover. This is just another mandate on small businesses that will drive up operating costs.”

Miller on Education Funding

“I’m glad we increased school aid by $961 million this year, but the state needs to fix the method by which these funds are distributed. Our highest needs schools are still not getting the amount of funding they need. The system is broken and simply throwing more money at the problem every year isn’t the answer.”

Miller on Paper Bag Tax

“As an outdoorsman, I am in favor of taking care of our environment. So, I have no issue with doing away with plastic bags. What I cannot and do not support, is the state putting yet another tax on our residents by charging them fees per paper bag. This is just another example of the state nickel-and-diming Jane and John Q. Taxpayer.”

Miller on Funding For Aid to Municipalities

“This budget has hung our local municipalities out to dry. For years, the state has provided funding to local governments, in the budget, to help offset operating costs. This year, that funding was eliminated with the ‘rationale’ that revenues from county sales tax – specifically the internet sales tax revenues – will be enough to make up the difference. That is just a guess, at best, and certainly doesn’t seem like an educated one. Our local municipalities could potentially be out a lot of funding they have always counted on the state to supply and services to local residents will suffer. This funding should have been provided in the state budget as it always has been.”

Miller on Medicaid Payments For Ambulance Services

“A major concern for many communities in my district was the governor’s proposal for a major cut in Medicaid reimbursements for ambulance services. This proposal would have passed significant costs on to ambulance services, thereby running them out of business and leaving residents, especially in rural areas, without ambulance service and thereby vulnerable during the critical emergency response window. I am pleased that this proposed cut was restored in the final budget.”

Miller on The Budget Process

“Every year the budget is due by April 1 – every year. We’ve been here since January and had nearly three months to negotiate a solid budget, yet many of the measures in this budget were rushed and not very well thought out. I listened to members of the Majority stand up and criticize certain measures for this exact reason. I am disappointed in this process and I believe our residents should be too. This is not how good government operates.”