“This year’s budget proposals mark another move toward the governor’s political ambitions while ignoring the real problems here in New York. The overtone of the proposals was the governor’s political machinations to take free shots at Washington instead of focusing on our issues here. We had a working budget last year and in six short months we’re already $4 billion under the mark. That needs to be the discussion, not the federal government.

“First and foremost we must deal with our own problems before pointing fingers at the federal government. We need to close the budget gap so our state government can actually function, primarily by curbing outrageous spending programs. Then we can focus our efforts and budget toward what is really important.

“The governor’s focus on allocating funding to help fight against the opioid epidemic which the governor addressed with the opioid surcharge is a welcome change of pace. I have taken it seriously and I’m pleased the governor is finally on board.

“The governor’s business model for New York resembles a Sears’ catalogue from 40 years ago while the rest of the country has advanced to the Amazon model.

“Our duty is to New Yorkers, not to the country at large or Washington. We’re elected to serve the people of this state and it’s abundantly clear that the governor’s focus is not here.”