Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) issued the following statement today after the budget passed when session continued late into the night:

“I’m pleased the budget was enacted—on time and without new taxes. By no means was this an ideal plan, but it is the first budget that reflects the economic difficulty New York has faced over the last three years. Previous leaders refused to deal with the financial reality, which is why cuts in state aid this year are severe. I am hopeful that the tough choices made this year will set the state on a new course—one that creates jobs and grows our economy. Job growth would restore funding to those areas and programs which experienced steep cuts this year—such as healthcare and education. This budget closes the deficit, enacts a better Power for Jobs plan, decreases spending and does not create new borrowing. All of these are important to the overall health of our state and are priorities I have long fought for. Moving forward, we need to create mandate relief for local governments and school districts, which would help lower property taxes for New Yorkers and keep residents and jobs here.”