On April 9th, the New York State Assembly passed the final state budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. Totaling over $220.5 billion, the newly enacted budget makes use of federal relief funding and high revenue to invest in the areas that impact New Yorkers the greatest, including tax relief, education, housing, and the environment. On the passage of the budget, Assemblymember Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I-Sag Harbor) issued the following statement:

“This year’s budget delivers a historic level of funding that kickstarts our recovering economy and makes the kind of long-term investments our future generations can rely on, said Assemblymember Thiele. “I am pleased to see the needs of Long Island and the East End among the top priorities addressed by this budget. With many thanks to my colleagues in the Legislature, the Governor, and the advocates who made their voices heard throughout this process, through this budget we will soon have a Commission on restructuring LIPA as a true public power authority, record aid for our schools, quality investments in our roads and infrastructure, and enhanced environmental protections for the Peconic Estuary and the freshwater wetlands that define our region. I am grateful that this budget puts families first by providing direct and immediate aid against surging prices and relief from the exorbitant property taxes that impact our region immensely.

After such a difficult chapter for so many, I stand by this budget and the many improvements it makes to address the climate crisis, expand healthcare access, protect public safety and reduce crime, and provide New Yorkers with more opportunities that come with living in our great state.

With that said, I also acknowledge that there are some gaps and missing priorities within this budget. I strongly opposed the 11^th hour measure to provide a $600 million taxpayer funded subsidy to billionaires for a new Buffalo Bills Stadium. It’s regrettable, especially in the face of other worthy priorities that were not included.

For the remainder of this year’s legislative session, I am committed and ready to work closely with my colleagues in the Assembly to improve the lives of New Yorkers on the strong fiscal foundation created by this budget.”