“The governor’s budget proposal released Tuesday included some promising components that would provide our communities with much-needed assistance and new opportunities to grow. The plan to invest $33 billion in a five-year plan to combat climate change includes, $3 billion which would go toward the Restore Mother Nature Bond Act, which would help reduce flood risks, invest in local infrastructure and revitalize waterways. Any help to reduce the risk of catastrophic flooding like we saw on Halloween from happening again is welcome. Additionally, the proposal to provide funding to help expand access to New York-grown agricultural products would help boost our local economy and support our farmers.

“The executive budget proposal, however, doesn’t do enough to help our schools. While it includes increases in state aid to all of the districts in the 119th Assembly District, these increases won’t address all of our schools’ needs. In particular, Utica is still owed $40 million in Foundation Aid. I’ll work with school district officials over the coming weeks to get a full picture of the impact the proposed funding will have on local districts and work to ensure Mohawk Valley schools are given the funding they need to continue putting our children’s education – and futures – first.

“I’ll also look closely at the proposals for Medicaid funding. This is a program that provides many Mohawk Valley residents with health care and needs to be properly funded to ensure no one is left without important services or medication. I plan to carefully examine the proposed funding and insight from the redesign team to ensure that the changes made won’t impact the quality of health care local residents need. As my Assembly colleagues and I begin crafting the final state budget, I’ll work to ensure the Mohawk Valley gets the funding it deserves.

“And finally our veterans, farmers, business owners, employees, first responders, and families need to remain in the forefront when we make vital budget decisions.”