“This year’s Executive Budget has been one shrouded in mystery and includes the good, the bad and the ugly. The budget presentation is as much for the governor as it is for the people. It’s unfortunate that this year he’s chosen to carry out the process in an unorthodox and less than transparent fashion.

“I am encouraged to see ride-sharing on the governor’s agenda; however, I am opposed to imposing a tax on fares as suggested in the Executive Budget. I am also discouraged by the lack of assistance to localities in the form of unfunded mandate relief. Language outlined in the Executive Budget would allow for cuts to local governments, education and healthcare should the state not receive its estimated funding from the federal government. It’s unacceptable to leave taxpayers on the hook for filling this monetary void left by the state.

“Finally, we can’t under any circumstances cut funding to library aid. Libraries are a critical resource in communities across the state, and we must ensure they receive the funding necessary to provide critical services.”