Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today voted on 10 individual bills that make up the New York State budget. Because the bills are separated, Hawley was able to vote in favor of parts of the budget that help Western New York’s middle-class families, while rejecting pieces that benefit only downstate interests. Among the highlights of the budget that Hawley helped pass are $33 million for the Western New York Science, Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP), a zero percent income tax for manufacturers, and increased aid of over $800,000 to municipalities because Batavia Downs hosts Video Lottery Terminals (VLT).

“The impact that this $33 million in funding for the STAMP project will have on all of Western New York cannot be understated. This project could create up to 10,000 new jobs in our area and become an economic force that benefits local families,” said Hawley. “This is an example of the good things that can happen when all parties work together to help middle-class families. In addition, the zero percent state income tax for manufacturers that we passed will directly benefit the STAMP project, as manufacturing is one of the industries that will be housed there. I thank the governor and Senators Maziarz and Ranzenhofer for helping to bring this project to fruition.”

Other initiatives that Hawley helped include in the budget because of their importance to his district are funding for agricultural local assistance programs such as the New York Farm Viability Institute, the Genesee County Agricultural Academy, and the New York State Apple Growers Association, and a $1 million increase in library aid, more than the governor proposed.

However, Hawley disagreed with several budget bills: he is disappointed that the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) still remains. The GEA deprives our local school districts of the funding they need to give our children the world-class education they need and deserve. While funding was partially restored, and every school district in Hawley’s Assembly District received an increase in funding, schools are still dealing with a funding gap that threatens the quality of education they can give our children. Hawley vows to keep working to eliminate the GEA.