Today’s 2013-2014 budget proposal by Governor Cuomo continues to build upon the success of the past two years. While much progress has been made during the past two years, there is still work to be done. The governor’s belief in fiscal responsibility is a welcome message for the residents of our state who continue to be burdened by some of the highest taxes in the country.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, we must work quickly to rebuild our economy and reduce the high tax burden faced by our residents and businesses. The victims of this natural disaster cannot wait; they need their elected officials to do the hard work necessary to rebuild a better Long Island.

Our children continue to be imperiled by an unfair system of state education aid that saps resources out of the classroom and raises taxes on hardworking New Yorkers. The governor’s Executive Budget includes increased state aid, and it is my sincere hope that in the coming weeks and months we can work together to deliver Long Island’s fair share to local classrooms and communities.