As budget negotiations between the administration, Assembly and Senate continue, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) today is urging his legislative colleagues to join him in fighting to restore millions of dollars in cuts proposed by the governor to critically- important programs for our veterans.

“Budgeting is about priorities. The idea that the governor would cut millions of dollars in funding for individuals who put their lives on the line for our country to keep us safe is deeply troubling. In the context of a $178 billion budget, it’s totally unacceptable. I’ll be working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both houses of the Legislature to make this right and restore these resources,” said Palmesano.

The governor’s budget plan rips $4 million in state funding from the Joseph P. Dwyer program, a successful peer-to-peer counseling organization. The governor also proposed cuts to job training, legal services and transition programs for veterans.

“There seems to be bipartisan agreement that we should be doing more for our veterans, particularly when it comes to providing access to mental health services. I can’t imagine why the governor believes we should be doing less,” said Palmesano. “Our veterans don’t just need and deserve these programs and services the governor is proposing to cut. The fact of the matter is our veterans have already earned and “paid in full” for these programs and services through their selfless service and sacrifice for all of us.”

Last year, Palmesano and his Minority colleagues in the Assembly led a statewide movement to expand a state-sponsored tuition assistance program for Gold Star Families.

“We were able to deliver because we engaged the public. The people of New York state spoke with one voice and said we must take care of our Gold Star Families. We need that kind of engagement again. We can’t let the governor cut these vital programs and services that help our veterans. Again, programs and services they deserve, earned and have already paid for with their dedication, commitment and sacrifice to our country,” said Palmesano.