“The 2013-14 budget proposal put forward by Governor Cuomo is a straight forward budget that closes a $1.3 billion deficit, includes no new taxes and maintains our state's commitment to education by increasing aid to schools by 4.4%. The budget also continues our important focus on fostering a business friendly environment in New York and promoting economic development as a way to build our economy so that our families can find good-paying jobs.”

“I look forward to working with Governor Cuomo and my colleagues in the legislature to pass an on-time budget that addresses our priorities of education and economic development, while reducing the burden of mandates on localities to help local taxpayers. We also need to raise the minimum wage to help our hardworking families get the relief they need to rise out of poverty; every dollar they receive in a wage increase goes right back into our economy.”