“We can’t waiver from what is immediately important in this budget. We need more funding to repair local roads and bridges, a full restoration of and an increase in school aid, and enhanced investment into programs that will work for the upstate economy, like agriculture.

“I feel we can do more to support local upstate roads and bridges. I urge my colleagues to consider using more of the over $5 billion windfall bank settlement monies to invest in repairing the crumbling infrastructure throughout upstate New York.

“I applaud the efforts to increase school aid funding above the governor’s proposal and agree with removing the teacher evaluation ultimatum the governor attached to the funding. You’re either committed to supporting our schools or not, and I believe the governor’s approach is ill advised.

“I am, however, thoroughly disappointed that the Assembly Majority does not support full restoration of agricultural funding like the Senate majority and every other conference has been supporting. I am also concerned about their push to cut funds for the Future Farmers of America, rabies prevention, and the Northern New York Agricultural Development programs. Our agriculture and markets programs are vital in supporting the upstate economy.

“We need to do all we can to support small-business owners, family farmers, and middle-class families. This means getting behind real, meaningful tax relief. Throughout budget negotiations during the next several weeks I will be advocating for these priorities.”