“Politicians finally had their chance to craft a state budget and what they crafted was, for the most part, a disaster.

“Increased taxes and fees, an unnecessary ban on plastic grocery bags, soft on crime measures that put society at risk, increased funding disparity between downstate and upstate infrastructure investment and taxpayers financing political campaigns.

“I will be opposing many, if not all, of this year’s misguided budget bills as they irrevocably damage society and will exacerbate the already embarrassing exodus rate of New Yorkers unless changes are made.

“Despite all of this, I am pleased to see the two percent property tax cap being made permanent, restoration of Aid to Municipalities (AIM) funding to bolster local services and some funding for our direct-care professionals who protect our most vulnerable neighbors.”

Budget Highlights:

The Negative

• A commission to implement public financing of campaigns – taxpayer money will go to support political candidates instead of voluntary donations
• Soft on crime criminal justice reforms –no bail requirement for some felons, protecting criminal illegals from deportation
• Elimination of Extreme Winter Recovery Funds – money used to repair roads, bridges and highways after winter damage
• Plastic grocery store bag ban and a tax to use paper bags
• Increased taxes, fees and state spending
• Even less parity between New York City infrastructure spending and upstate infrastructure spending

The Positive

• Funding for direct-care professionals
• Permanent 2% property tax cap
• Restoration of AIM funding to help local governments provide services