“In these tough economic times, it is critical that we join together in a bi-partisan effort to accomplish what is our constitutional obligation - to balance our broken state budget. However, we must balance our state’s budget without raising taxes and fees that the Governor has proposed on middle class families and small businesses. During difficult economic times, the last thing that government should be doing is asking for more of our hard-earned paycheck or placing more job-killing taxes on small businesses.

Also, we must begin to alleviate our dependence on Wall Street and begin creating better jobs and opportunities here in Western New York. It is our challenge to not just talk about what must be done but to roll up our sleeves and get to work on the issues that are plaguing New York. I am committed to doing whatever it takes to get our great state back on track.”