Fitzpatrick Reacts To Assembly’s Budget

A statement from Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick (R,C,I-Smithtown)

“The Assembly Majority’s one-house budget resolution will hasten the decline of the business climate in New York State and increase the property tax burden for all taxpayers. In fact, according to state Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, there will be a $700 million annual increase to the Medicaid burden – a direct impact on taxpayers (thanks to ObamaCare).

“The Majority has proposed no meaningful mandate relief measures to help reduce the property tax burden on Long Island, instead choosing to pursue a harmful path by increasing the minimum wage – another mandate on our overburdened small businesses that stifles economic growth and job creation. After having been promised mandate relief by the governor four years ago, we have seen nothing of consequence for taxpayers, businesses or municipalities and school districts.

“The Majority also has chosen to ignore pension reform, another common-sense way to ease the tax burden, when putting together a toothless ethics reform plan. As we negotiate the Assembly’s and the Senate’s resolution, I will be advocating for these priorities.”