“This year’s budget process has been clouded by secrecy and dysfunction from the very beginning. From closed-door discussions to pushing through numerous bills at all hours of the day and night, our ability to best serve the priorities of our constituents has been greatly inhibited.

“It is equally shameful that, even with a $154 billion budget bill, we still have not adopted the Veterans Buyback Bill to take care of the many brave veterans in our state who have sacrificed so much for us. The governor, once again, has gone back on his word to provide these servicemen and women with the benefits they have honorably earned.

“Despite my frustration with the proceedings and the omission of some essential provisions, I am extremely pleased that the unfair education cuts from 2010 will finally be restored. Preparing our children for the future is one of my top priorities, and this record school aid and long-overdue, complete restoration of the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) will ensure the programs, quality educators and opportunities that they need to be successful. Restoring these funds and enacting a $1 billion middle-class tax cut provide a shimmer of light in a process and product that leaves much to be desired.”