“The manner by which Gov. Cuomo rolled out the State of the State addresses and Executive Budget proposals have made a mockery of transparency and open government. It was insulting enough to schedule regional addresses on session days so legislators could not attend, but last night’s Executive Budget proposal from the Governor’s Mansion irresponsibly alienated the Legislature further. Taxpayers deserve better than a closed-door meeting at the last minute.

“While the executive proposal has stressed great investments in education and infrastructure, it is essential that these investments reflect our priorities locally. I will continue to fight for our fair share of education funding while continuing to push for the policy changes that will grant more authority to our locally elected schoolboards to meet our local needs. Likewise, our infrastructure investments should focus on local needs like our roads and upgrading existing Long Island Railroad equipment rather than pet projects from Albany.”

Ra also commented on the importance of direct care workers and emphasized that protecting their financial livelihood would be a priority of his entering this year’s budget negotiations.

“Our direct care workers do some of the most important work in our state, and it is our obligation to ensure that they are fairly funded this year. We cannot leave behind those who work tirelessly day and night to ensure the neediest New Yorkers receive the care they deserve.