The budget merges agencies, catalyzes economic development, and provides for efforts to right-size and curb the cost of government. These bills do not contain the sweeping reforms expected, but they do address many of the harsh realities facing New York. I am particularly glad that the legislature and governor decided to dust off the welcome mat for businesses by including the Recharge NY program, which provides affordable power for job creation, and enhancing the Excelsior Jobs program. Tonight, we voted to correct many of the trends that have handcuffed our state, but in the coming weeks we must vote to provide mandate and tax relief. The budget is not the entire solution but a building block for greater change and progress.