ALBANY- Members of the State Assembly that represent districts in the Mid-Hudson region commented on the chamber’s spending plan, which was debated in the legislative session on Thursday. Members had differing takes on the $232.9 billion spending proposal, which was approved and will serve as the Assembly’s starting point for negotiations for the final state budget.
Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson (D-Newburgh) of the 104th district applauded the spending plan, speaking specifically on three provisions he regards as victories. Jacobson pushed for the addition of $50 million for the Department of Health’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program, which was included in the plan. He also lauded increased aid to the Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), and $10 million for county boards of elections to purchase new, up-to-date voting machines and scanners.
“I believe in the power of government to protect and improve people’s lives. I fought for these three items because I know each and every one will make a significant and positive impact for my constituents and the residents of New York,” said Jacobson.
Assemblyman Brian Maher (R-Montgomery) who represents the 101st district had a different take on his chamber’s budget plan. While Maher was glad to see several provisions he supported included in the plan, he was critical of the budget’s overall size and voted against the resolution.
“Universal healthy meals for all of our school children, investments in pathways to careers and workforce development opportunities, and higher cost of living adjustments for many of our underpaid state workers are extremely important investments. However, I do not approve of this proposal including $11 billion more in spending from one year ago, increasing taxes and creating policies that would make inflation even worse for everyday New Yorkers. I do believe there is a way to prioritize the needs of our communities through a balanced budget,” said Maher.
Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R-Deerpark) who represents the 98th district expressed his displeasure with the resolution. “The Democrat majority has proposed a budget that spends more than even the Governor wants, and ignores her more sensible proposals concerning public safety and small businesses,” said Brabenec. “Their offer to raise taxes and reduce expenditures shows that this majority has little understanding of what fixes our economy really needs.”
Assemblyman Matt Slater (R-Yorktown) of the 94th district expressed disappointment that the budget plan did not address public safety, and specifically, that it did not make changes to the state’s controversial bail reform laws. Slater opposed the resolution, stating, “We simply cannot continue to ignore the realities of a catch-and-release system that protects criminals and prevents police from keeping our communities safe. It will be a complete failure to approve this proposal without addressing the root concern of nine out of ten New Yorkers.”
Now that the Assembly’s one-house budget resolution has been approved, final negotiations will heat up between the legislature and the Governor. A final budget is scheduled to be adopted prior to the start of the new fiscal year, which begins on April 1st.
