“It’s a relief that an agreement has been reached, but the 2019-20 budget was a lackluster effort to improve the lives for New Yorkers. I was encouraged by the inclusion of funding for our direct-care workers, the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) and libraries, but it fell short on the necessary allotment needed for our state. The elimination of $65 million in Extreme Winter Recovery funds was another devastating blow that will leave many small rural communities to fend for themselves during harsh winter conditions. This year’s budget process was inefficient and lacked transparency. If we continue allowing seven counties to control the entire Legislature, we’ll never make the progress our constituents deserve.”