“This year’s budget has shone a light on the gridlock and divide that is deeply rooted in this state. The governor’s ‘Message of Necessity’ usage best sums up the lack of transparency throughout this entire budget process.

“While it is unacceptable and a disservice to the taxpayers of New York to be a week late with the annual budget, I am pleased to see some of the issues important to our district have been included. The inclusion of ridesharing will meet the enormous demand for cheap, safe and reliable transportation for the residents of our district, and $32 million in agricultural local assistance and a Farmers Food Donation Tax Credit will help ease the financial burden the agriculture community in this state currently faces. I am also encouraged by the state’s further commitment to both k-12 and higher education with the addition of $995.4 million in school aid and an increase in the state’s tuition assistance program.

“As always with the assembly Majority in the legislative process, we must take the good with the bad. The lack of Consolidated Local Street and Highway Infrastructure Program (CHIPS) funding, and tying ‘Raise the Age’ and the governor’s consolidated service plan with vital and unaffiliated fiscal budget items is their way of ensuring undesired political policy is passed. This is the price that must be paid when dealing with such a divided and partisan state government.”