Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C,I-Deerpark) joined lawmakers this week to pass a state budget. Following the unprecedented health crisis at hand, the budget was debated and voted on differently than in years past to minimize the risk of infection. After an expedited process, the 2020-21 Enacted Budget was passed into law during the early morning hours of April 3.

This year’s budget was laden with policy, despite a plea from Assembly Minority members to keep the contents strictly financial. After many closed-door negotiations, the budget bills included were far from a responsible use of state money. Here are some highlights of budget missteps:

• Assembly Minority introduced the “Small Business Emergency Recovery Act of 2020” to provide immediate assistance to small businesses because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Assembly Majority dismissed this measure;
• Criminal justice reform was amended instead of repealed;
• Medicaid redesign included hospital cuts during a global pandemic;
• CHIPS and AIM both received no increases in funding;
• Public campaign financing was established for $100 million, taking away New Yorkers’ ability to contribute to the candidate of their choice;
• START-UP NY, a failed Gov. Cuomo pet project, received $42.5 million in funding and a five-year extender;
• Regional Economic Development Councils racked up $150 million, meaning that donors to the governor’s political campaign will receive funding;
• “E Pluribus Unum” was added to the State Seal and Flag, which was a clear misuse of the function of a budget;

“The coronavirus surely didn’t deter the governor from getting a policy-filled budget passed,” said Brabenec. “Under normal circumstances, the budget process is notoriously dysfunctional. This year was no different. The current public health crisis was used by state Majority politicians as a Trojan Horse. Bad and unnecessary policy was jammed into the process despite the need for a bare-bones budget.

“My decision to vote no on all budget bills shows my testament to all New Yorkers. Gov. Cuomo’s pet projects had no business being included. The recovery of our state economy and revival of local businesses should have been our priorities, instead of nonsensical whims like adding Latin to our state flag.

“I think my colleagues also need to reflect on what was necessary. I voted no on all budget bills because I continue to witness the effects of this outbreak. The predicted skyrocketing of unemployment rates from 3% to 20% nationwide is something that should’ve been mitigated, especially here at the epicenter of contagion. We needed financial help and needed it badly from this budget. I am not sure the citizens of New York will be too happy with you, Gov. Cuomo, once your free coronavirus press is over and they aren’t being supported the way they should be.”