David J. Valesky

NYS BUDGET: Legislators issue statements on 2018-19 spending plan

Bill Magee

Assemblyman Bill Magee (D – Nelson)

“Last year, I successfully fought to get Madison County the revenue it deserves, and I fought for it again this year,” Magee said. “It’s only fair that Madison County sees the same benefits as other counties that host casinos. This revenue is vital for reinvesting in infrastructure and emergency services and helping keep local taxes

down.”

Last year’s budget granted Madison County a share of revenue generated by Oneida Nation gaming devices. Before then, Madison County had been the only county in the state to host a Native American resort and casino without receiving a host community benefit or a share of the state’s gaming revenue generated within its borders. This takes the burden of casino expansion – and local services – off Central New York taxpayers.”

Brian Miller

Assemblyman Brian Miller (R,I-New Hartford)

“To be honest, it’s lucky that we have a staff capable of quickly dissecting these budget bills and preparing us to debate and vote on them. The governor and the majority leaders of both houses wait until the last minute to negotiate the most important policies affecting our residents each year and then force a vote with very little time for the rest of us to examine what we are voting on. That is not how government should operate and it is the ultimate breach of the public’s trust. The way this Legislature operates is not in the best interest of the residents of New York state.”

David J. Valesky

Senator David J. Valesky (D – Oneida)

“The final passage of the New York State Budget includes many victories for Upstate while closing a substantial deficit. These include a record investment in education, a commitment to fight harmful algal blooms in drinking water, the extension of the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits responsible for the redevelopment of many struggling downtowns, and provisions to protect vital access to health care.”

Al Stirpe

Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero)

“Each and every child in this state, no matter where they live, deserves a quality education,” Stirpe said. “It’s our responsibility to ensure that school districts have the resources they need and that our kids can learn in a safe and nurturing environment.

“The state budget increases Foundation Aid by $618 million for a total of $17.8 billion. The budget also increases funding for Central New York schools, including:

School District Increase
Baldwinsville Central School District $1,292,963
Cazenovia School District $436,216
Central Square School District $2,002,788
East Syracuse-Minoa Central School District $84,513
Fabius-Pompey Central School District $262,311
Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District $46,938
Jamesville-Dewitt Central School District $382,978
Liverpool Central School District $1,239,902
North Syracuse School District $1,823,003
Phoenix School District $420,407
Tully Central School District $557,163
Total $8,549,182

“Additionally, the budget creates the Breakfast After the Bell initiative to ensure students can get a healthy meal after the start of the school day and protects students from lunch shaming.

“To offset the rising costs of higher education, the budget includes $12.1 million to SUNY to increase community college base aid by $100 per full-time equivalent student.

“To help more students follow the college dream, the state budget also restores $24.6 million in aid to private colleges, known as Bundy Aid, and increases funding for the Foster Youth Initiative to $6 million to support foster students on their path to higher education.

“As a father, I know how stressful paying for college is for so many of our families. That’s why the state budget makes significant investments to help middle-class families send their kids to college without the fear of massive debt weighing them down.

“Public libraries in Central New York are vital community resources, helping students learn, job seekers find careers and community members access services in a single central and accessible location. To help make sure libraries can continue serving the community, the state budget provides a total of $96.6 million in funding for public libraries, an increase of $1 million over last year. In addition, the budget provides $34 million to support library capital projects across the state.”

By martha

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