“The Assembly budget proposal addresses critical affordability issues such as childcare, quality education, housing and transportation infrastructure, and healthcare. However, the proposal does nothing to stop the closure of up to five correctional facilities across our state.

“Correctional facilities are essential for justice to be served and the safety of New Yorkers. We must support the well-being of corrections officers and those housed in our prisons. Closing prisons would cost jobs and further strain many of our already overburdened prisons with more responsibilities. The Assembly proposal is promising, but this notable gap and disregard for our correctional officers is an issue that I will be working hard to address as state budget negotiations continue. I plan to introduce legislation requiring that corrections officers and staff receive mental health services if they request it.

“The Assembly proposal bolsters foundation aid to our schools, along with adjusting the formula to account for inflation. To ease the burden on families, we’re proposing more funding for childcare programs and enhanced child tax credits. Our plan would also provide much-needed relief to owners and renters through renewed investment in programs to help make housing more affordable for all. Our proposal also provides a 7.8% wage increase for many health and human service workers, which is essential to retaining healthcare workers and supporting our most vulnerable residents. While the plan would invest more than the executive budget in CHIPS (Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program), I would still like to see additional funds for our local roads.

“While I supported the Assembly’s proposal for the many things it does to make New York more affordable for our families and businesses, I will keep fighting against closing any correctional facilities in the final state budget.