“We have started the process of debating and voting on the New York state budget, and in true Albany fashion, it is more than three weeks late. New Yorkers deserve better.

“As with every budget, especially one this large, there are good things for all of us. But, in the three pieces of legislation that have passed so far, there is always a poison pill that makes it impossible for my ‘yes’ vote. Some items that concerned me were more prison closures with only 90 days' notice. Another portion of the budget takes away Home Rule for municipalities as it pertains to the siting and routing of transmission lines that will take electricity from upstate to New York City.

“One thing I'm happy to report is we made sure the governor's plan to cut school foundation aid was not included in the final budget.

“There are still more individual budget bills to be published, debated and voted upon in the coming days, and sometime over the weekend a complete budget plan should be finalized.”