Today begins the process of crafting the 2012-13 State Budget, and the governor’s proposal started us off in the right direction. By committing to job creation in Western New York, and supporting the state’s agricultural industry, Governor Cuomo is seeking to bolster our economy while avoiding broad-based tax increases.

As a member of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, I will be focused on two specific areas of spending throughout the legislative process – education aid and mandate relief. I believe that, as long as Western New York schools receive their fair share of state aid and we advance real cost savings to local governments, this budget will be a positive step for Western New York.