Today, Assemblyman Angelo J. Morinello (R,C,I,Ref-Niagara Falls) announced a few of his priorities for the 2017 New York State Budget, and what he would like to see included for the residents of the 145th Assembly District. Some of these priorities include ethics reform, increased college affordability and education reform.

“Ethics reform remains at the top of my to-do list in Albany,” said Morinello. “Since the new year, the halls in the Capitol have gone silent on ethics reform, and it is worrying to know this problem still lingers in the shadows. I don’t want to wait for another official to be taken out of the Capitol in handcuffs in order to act outraged and call for ethics reform. I am calling for it now and acting as proactively as possible.”

Morinello has also focused on education reform and the issue of college affordability during his first two and a half months in Albany. Last month, Morinello’s colleagues introduced their plan, which would increase New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) brackets and provide tax credits to individuals currently paying off student loans.

“As a legislator my goal is to help create legislation that serves the best interest of my district’s residents. Too many families in my district are struggling to make ends meet and sending their children to college seems like an unattainable goal. My conference’s plan to increase the TAP brackets will expand assistance to thousands of middle-class families and give them the helping hand they need.

“I also want to institute vocational training back into the high school curriculum,” said Morinello. “College isn’t the best option for everyone. Some young adults are more suited for careers in trade, and they need the option to pursue that while still in high school. By implementing a ‘Learning-for-work’ program we can kick-start a child’s passion for a craftsman career.”

Ridesharing still remains a hot-button issue for Morinello and many of the residents in the 145th Assembly District. After passing in the Senate earlier this year, the Assembly Majority is the only obstacle impeding the legalization of ridesharing throughout New York State.

“It’s vital we legalize ridesharing for western New York, and the rest of New York State,” said Morinello. “The demand is there, the statistics on its positive benefit to safety are there. The statistics on the positive economic impact are there. Ridesharing in western New York makes sense, and we need to overcome the purely political components holding this legislation up and give the residents of upstate and western New York a service they deserve.”

March 31 marks the deadline for the 2017 New York State Budget.