Brindisi votes no on pay raise but says overall, the new budget helps state meet important commitments
Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi of Utica issued the following statement on the passage of the 2018-19 state budget, including why he voted against a plan to establish an independent commission to start examining a pay raise for state legislators and state agency heads:
“This year’s budget was a difficult one to put together, because of the challenge of a $4.4 billion budget deficit that arose in part due to actions taken recently by Republicans in Washington. The state spending plan approved early today contains some of the most important commitments our state needs to honor, including providing a more than $900 million increase in education aid for our school districts. In addition, the budget includes a $250 million investment to address the heroin and opioid crisis, including more funding for treatment, recovery, and prevention programs. And, I am pleased to see a continued investment in road, bridge, and other infrastructure improvements, which are a vital part of economic development in our state.
“While I commend my colleagues and support their actions trying to undo the disastrous effects of the GOP tax bill that hurts working individuals and working families in the context of the total budget, I had to honor the commitment I have made to my constituents and vote no on a plan to set the wheels in motion for a pay raise for state legislators and agency directors. I also voted against funding Charter School expansion in New York City, as well as exempting certain non-public schools downstate from curriculum standards. Overall, however, this is a balanced budget that will help build a stronger state.”