“It is very disappointing that so many things were left out of such a massive state budget. I fought alongside colleagues on both sides of the aisle throughout the budget process, to the last minute, for universal school lunches for New York students, increased funding for our Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) programs and staff, and for our local roads, bridges, and culverts through Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS). The fact that the powers that be were able to draft a $229 billion budget that neglects to fund our vocational schools, our local infrastructure, and free lunches for our school children is truly mind-boggling.

“While it finally appears that budget season has come to an end, the fight is not over. I will continue to fight for these programs and for the interests of our community. Our students, our small businesses, and our community deserve better.”