We are facing a crisis that requires hard and responsible decisions to be made. While I am disappointed by the outcome of this budget, we still have an opportunity to enact important measures that remain unfinished despite the demand of New York residents. While I have reservations on voting in favor of this budget, voting against it would have greater consequences. As we move forward, it is imperative that we address the staggering unemployment rate in this state by eliminating onerous business taxes and creating opportunities for private-sector job growth; provide property owners with tax relief, while at the same time providing comprehensive mandate relief that assists our local governments and school districts; as well as crack down on waste, fraud and abuse in state government.