I am pleased that the governor recognized the need to provide tax relief in his budget proposal, especially for families, businesses and manufacturers. Although this is a step in the right direction, it is clear that bold, aggressive measures must be taken to foster a more favorable business climate that will encourage private-sector investment and job creation.

As always, educational issues will be at the forefront of our budget negotiations. While the governor’s desire for universal Pre-K is commendable, every extra penny we spend on education should be used to restore the education cuts from several years ago and finally eliminate the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) that has challenged local school budgets before we break ground on any new, costly spending programs. It is essential that the education formula is reformed to ensure we distribute state educational aid fairly; students from wealthy, downstate school districts and our students from high-need, low- and average-wealth school districts deserve to learn, dream and achieve on a level playing field. I was pleased that the governor finally acknowledged the need to address the problems and challenges the disastrous implementation of the new Common Core standards has caused students, parents, teachers and administrators across our region and state.

As legislators and public servants, we have a serious responsibility to allocate public funds with vision and prudence. To spend taxpayer dollars on political campaigns at a time when schools are fiscally challenged, roads and bridges are deteriorating and families and job creators continue to be squeezed by crippling taxes and regulations is simply irresponsible and offensive. There is no place in this budget for taxpayer-funded political campaigns.

Finally, the fight to save Monterey Shock goes on. It simply makes no sense to shut down a successful program which has proven over the last 26 years that it not only saves state and local taxpayer dollars but, most importantly, saves lives.

As negotiations move ahead, I look forward to working with the governor and my colleagues in the legislature to adopt a budget that will help improve the quality of life for our families across the 132nd Assembly District and New York State.