Presentation of the Assembly Majority’s budget signals the start of what will be weeks of tough negotiations and compromises. I am very concerned that the majority’s proposals do not include the reversal of the many reductions and cuts that the Executive Budget imposed on the property taxpayers of Nassau County.

As the budget process moves forward, there are three major areas of concern for Long Island residents: more than $350 million cut from education funding, affecting 37 percent of the school districts on Long Island; freezing the STAR Property Tax Rebate program at last year’s levels; and the more than $100 million in cuts to state health care programs.

With the nation, especially New York, now experiencing tough economic times, our state government cannot expect taxpayers make up the difference on these cuts. I look forward to representing Nassau residents during the budget negotiation process to ensure that we are not shortchanged or bear the burden of increased taxes.