“The governor has insinuated that he still plans to incorporate some of his policy ideas, including possibly legalizing recreational marijuana, into the state budget. We are in the middle of a public health crisis, and now is not the time to sneak poorly-vetted and produced proposals into the budget. We need to pass a budget that responsibly keeps our state running during these uncertain times, and if there is any policy it should only be to provide relief for our state’s residents, businesses and economy affected by the emergent nature of COVID 19.” said Walsh. “As of today we have over 25,000 cases total in New York State alone, including at least three confirmed cases within the Assembly. Our sole focus should be meeting our state’s financial obligations. At a later time, we can debate the merits of the governor’s policies, but that time is not now. We need to do what’s right. We need to put the people of New York above political pride. They deserve nothing less.”