“We are struggling as a state and nation to deal with an unprecedented public health crisis with the coronavirus. We’re also facing an unprecedented fiscal crisis and a fast approaching April 1 state budget deadline. Alarmingly, Gov. Cuomo and some Senate and Assembly Majority are still pushing to jam partisan policy proposals into the budget. That’s the last thing New Yorkers want or need. We should focus our attention on passing a budget that addresses our state's fiscal crisis, fulfills our financial obligations, funds a robust response to the coronavirus and provides much needed assistance to our small businesses and their employees who have been crushed by the impact of the coronavirus. Our Conference unveiled a plan last week, The Small Business Recovery Act of 2020, to provide small businesses with tax credits, relief from costs and fees and access to needed capital. It is a common-sense proposal and should be implemented in the final budget," said Palmesano

“For the governor and others to push for controversial policy issues to be included in the final budget when we are facing a fiscal crisis is the wrong approach. Some of these policy proposals, such as banning Styrofoam containers, will place new, damaging financial burdens on our already-struggling small businesses like restaurants and bars. A new siting law to expedite the development of wind and solar farms in local communities throughout upstate New York will eviscerate local control and nullify local input and existing ordinances. It would set a very dangerous precedent. Legalizing marijuana would put more of a financial strain on our municipal social services and law enforcement agencies. These policies, which I oppose, have no urgency or need to be included in our state budget and can be debated and considered at a later time, after we’ve adopted our budget and gotten through this public health crisis,” concluded Palmesano.