New York’s unemployment rate remains close to eight percent, there are still nearly 800,000 New Yorkers looking for jobs, taxpayers continue to shoulder mounting state pension and Medicaid costs, and, according to the comptroller, a budget deficit looms over Albany. Our community is one of thousands across the state that needs the Legislature to act on these critical issues. My priorities for the upcoming budget process will address each of these issues for the economic stability of both taxpayers and small businesses.

Lawmakers today once again heard an ambitious plan put forth by Governor Cuomo in his 2012 budget presentation. I applaud the Governor for having the courage to tackle many issues currently facing our state, but, should we lose sight of the most pressing problems facing communities across our state, it will be yet another missed opportunity.