Following a press conference in Albany today, Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C,I-Deerpark) is calling on legislative leaders and Gov. Cuomo to increase funding in this year’s budget for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS). CHIPS funding is the primary mechanism for municipalities to repave and maintain bridges, roads and highways. The governor proposed no increase in CHIPS funding in this year’s Executive Budget.

“It is insulting and irresponsible that year after year, the entrenched New York City Majority receives billions for pork-barrel projects like airport rebuilds and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and we are left fighting for scraps,” Brabenec said. “Our roads and bridges matter too and their condition can literally mean the difference between life and death for our families. We have seen a rise in automobile repair costs over the past few years due to the lack of investment in infrastructure, which places a large burden on local families who already deal with soaring property and income taxes. I am officially calling on legislative leaders and the governor to give us our fair share.”