“The final details of the budget have been agreed upon and we are voting today. I have been very disenchanted with this whole budget process and the fact that our Minority Leader was not included during negotiations.

“There are positive portions of the budget, but overall most of it was "poisoned" by wasteful spending and the inclusion of social policy that is just plain wrong for New York. It is the main reason I voted NO on most of the budget bills.

“Social policy items, like Raise the Age, should be voted on separately and should have never been included in these budget documents. More focus should have been given to property tax reform and the reduction of unfunded mandates.

“That being said, our Assembly Minority Conference, along with the Majority-controlled Senate, fought for and achieved the following:

1. Reduction of burdensome costs so small businesses can create new jobs, better opportunities and grow for the future.
2. Rejecting a series of tax-and-fee hikes proposed by the governor, protecting one of the biggest tax cuts in state history, and providing more financial aid through TAP for many more middle-class families with kids in college.
3. The largest-ever investment in clean water to help communities throughout the state.
4. Providing record funding to fight and win the battle against heroin and opioid addiction.
5. Fully funding direct-care professionals who treat and care for individuals with developmental disabilities.
6. For the 7th consecutive year, spending growth will be held at or below 2 percent, which has already saved taxpayers over $41 billion.
7. Providing record funding for our schools, a total state investment of approximately $26 billion.
8. We led the way in bringing ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft to New York State, ensuring reliable transportation options, boosting tourism and helping to create new jobs.

“Please be assured that I will continue to fight for the values we uphold and will always look for and suggest ways to make New York a more affordable place to live.

“Working together, we can make New York the Empire State once again.”

Assemblyman Brabenec represents the 98th District, which includes the towns of Deerpark, Greenville, Minisink, Warwick, Tuxedo, Monroe, and Ramapo. For more information, please visit his Official Website.