This Year’s Legislative Session and State Budget Must Reflect Needs and Interests of Entire State
Statement from Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I - 57th District) following Governor Cuomo’s State of the State Address
“As we move into a new Legislative Session, I am incredibly proud to be a New Yorker and optimistic about the future of our great state. We are beginning 2018 facing some unprecedented challenges. At the top of that list is the $4 billion state budget gap that must be addressed as we shape our spending plan for this year. Difficult choices will need to be made as we weigh the competing needs and priorities of each region of our state.
“The State Senate is committed to building on its progress in delivering for hardworking, middle class families. Job creation and tax relief will continue to drive that agenda. There are no other issues more important to the future of our state or the well-being of our residents. Those goals are at the heart of our ‘Blueprint for a Stronger New York’ which encompasses three priorities: affordability, opportunity and security. All three are crucial for a growing economy, an excellent quality of life and a thriving state.”
“Our priorities are in contrast to those of the Governor, who laid out a very liberal, New York City-focused agenda in his speech. Particularly in a year when the state is facing a significant budget gap, there is no room for wish-list items designed to appease narrow political interests. It is crucial that infrastructure investment and economic development dollars are distributed equitably, strategically and to regions of our state that need the greatest stimulus. My colleagues and I will be working to ensure these goals are met in the coming months.”
“When the Governor releases his Executive Budget in two weeks, we will get a stronger idea of exactly what he is proposing and who it would benefit. Residents of my senate district can rest assured that I, along with my Senate Republican colleagues, will oppose any efforts to unfairly favor one region over another or that run counter to the values of the majority of upstate voters.”
