MIDDLETOWN – Five state lawmakers whose districts include all or parts of Orange County, discussed goals for the new legislative session now underway.
Gunther: We’ll continue fighting against the MTA tax
Larkin: “… we’re not addressing the problems”
The newest of the group, Republican Assemblyman Karl Brabenec, who was elected in November, pledged to work “across the aisle” with both parties.
Assemblyman James Skoufis, a Democrat, spoke of making Orange County a place to stay.
“Especially Orange County, to make Orange County a more attractive place to live and work for young people,” Skoufis said. “That begins with establishing jobs here where, especially, young, professional, educated people are going to want to stay here and work.”
Veteran Republican State Senator John Bonacic noted that his party is now firmly in control of the Senate.
“We will be pushing an agenda of tax cuts, tax credits, private sector jobs, regulatory relief,” Bonacic said. “That will be our push during the budget process.”
The state budget is the first big item on the agenda. The deadline, rarely met, for adopting a budget is April 1.
The area’s other longtime Senator, Republican Bill Larkin had a reprimand for his colleagues.
“We’re finding faults, but we’re not addressing the problems.”
Larkin wasn’t letting citizens off the hook either, noting that sometimes he goes to local municipal and school district meetings with few citizens attending.
Democrat Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther had one agenda item that drew rousing applause.
“We’ll continue fighting against the MTA tax in Orange County. That’s very very important for all of you in business.”
