Governor Pataki today presented a positive fiscal outlook for New York State - a projected 10 percent growth in revenue for fiscal year 2004-05 - and a financial blueprint that will build on that success. The Executive Budget he put forth will continue to develop long-term fiscal balance.

Perhaps most important to the financial well-being of New York State, the Governor offered numerous proposals that would provide relief to local governments and property taxpayers. The most notable of these is to rein in skyrocketing Medicaid costs. Because the same solution will not work for every county, the Governor's Budget provides municipalities with choices in dealing with this growing crisis.

Last year, Assembly Minority members proposed a complete state takeover of Medicaid expenses to forever relieve local property taxpayers of this onerous burden. As negotiations progress, I am hopeful that components of my plan will be part of the final agreement.

I am also proud that the Governor included an initiative that originated in the Assembly Minority Conference in his Budget. Co-STAR builds on the popular STAR program - another Assembly Minority proposal - and will further help homeowners deal with rising property taxes.

Through Operation SPUR and other new economic development policies, the Governor continues to focus on issues that are critical to the entire state's economy.

I remain hopeful that all parties involved in negotiations will be flexible as we negotiate a final agreement and that New Yorkers can have their first on-time state budget in 21 years.