“As we look back on this year’s legislative session, I think we have missed huge opportunities to clean up Albany, fully address the Common Core issues, and restore faith in government. The last few days of session were riddled with gridlock and a true disregard for the needs of Long Island families. While the changes of leadership in both houses caused some delay in the process, I was hopeful that we could make real systematic changes and move Albany in the right direction. Unfortunately, I was mistaken.

“Although we ensured a record amount of education aid and reduced the Gap Elimination Adjustment, but not fully, as promised, Common Core continues to disrupt every level of Long Island’s education system. The ‘ethics reform’ touted by the governor and Assembly Majority amounted to little more than political grandstanding. We did not make any headway in stripping pensions from corrupt politicians, and the Assembly Majority forced through a horrible education budget bill that further harms our teachers and schools. The Assembly leadership left many issues unresolved, and I will continue to work for Long Island students, families and businesses in the months ahead.”