“I’m proud of municipal officials and my colleagues in the Legislature for convincing the governor that millions in needless cuts to local governments would cause serious harm to New Yorkers across the state. As towns and villages across Upstate New York are more strapped for revenue than ever, it would be unconscionable to cut state aid they’ve relied on for years to complete infrastructure projects, protect our water systems and deliver countless other services hardworking taxpayers rely on.

“I’m discouraged that the governor is trying to tie the restoration of these funds to a new tax that will hurt online shoppers. During budget negotiations, I’ll make the case to the governor that we don’t need new revenue to budget for something we’ve done since I’ve been here. For once, the governor should do the right thing instead of playing endless political games that hold good policy hostage,” said Blankenbush.