“This budget isn’t exactly a huge step forward for the State of New York. There are items that I can agree with and items that I question.

“I am pleased that we were able to increase CHIPs funding for critical infrastructure projects; secure a $5 million no-interest loan in the final state budget for the City of Salamanca, allowing it to fill a gaping hole in its finances; and restore reasonable school aid to Western New York schools by reducing the GAP elimination adjustment that devastated school districts.

“However, while increasing aid to localities which is necessary and needed, the lack of comprehensive mandate and regulatory relief for our businesses, schools, municipalities and taxpayers is troubling. I am concerned about extensive tax credits for Hollywood and about the authorization of a new $27.7 million database that will track law-abiding firearm owners before our court system can rule on the constitutionality of the NY SAFE Act.

“Instead of providing tax cuts to taxpayers and businesses to improve our economy or restoring a $90 million cut to the most vulnerable in this state, the developmentally disabled, this budget focuses on the wrong priorities.

“Although this budget was on-time and not rushed through with a message of necessity, it missed the target. This budget could have done more to address the needs of Western New York and Upstate.”