“Today we had the opportunity to hear the governor’s Executive Budget proposal. This was a perfect example of the proverbial 10,000-foot view of a budget where the devil is in the details. What we know is that her proposal of $227 billion is a 2.5 percent increase from last year and will likely remain the second-highest in the nation.”

“What we didn’t hear was how this is going to impact New York taxpayers, nor how her proposed housing initiative will affect our local economies. The proposal shows a 2 percent increase in State Operating Funds, a 10 percent increase in School Aid and a 2.4 percent increase in “Executive Agencies.” There was then a 5.4 percent decrease labeled “All Other,” but we don’t know what that means. Those are the details that we need. But it was not all doom and gloom, as she announced an extension of the Farmers Tax Credit and increased investment to help fight the rising crime rates.”

“I look forward to the upcoming budget hearings and negotiations, where we can learn more about her proposal. I remain ever hopeful that together we can build a budget that works for the people of this great state.”