{"id":88440,"date":"2018-02-05T13:28:01","date_gmt":"2018-02-05T18:28:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?p=88440"},"modified":"2018-02-04T22:00:43","modified_gmt":"2018-02-05T03:00:43","slug":"stirpe-discuss-the-state-budget-at-my-town-hall-meetings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?p=88440","title":{"rendered":"Stirpe: Discuss the state budget at my town hall meetings"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Al Stirpe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Stirpe: Discuss the state budget at my town hall meetings<\/strong><\/p>\n

With the 2018 legislative session in full swing, I\u2019ll soon turn my attention to New York\u2019s 2018-19 budget, and I want to know what you think should be included. The state budget determines how hardworking taxpayers\u2019 money is invested and which programs are funded or created to strengthen our communities.<\/p>\n

The state budget tackles some of the issues that matter most to Central New York families. Last year, I helped increase funding for schools in the 127th<\/sup>\u00a0Assembly District by $9.7 million, restore library funding to $95.6 million, establish ride-hailing across the state and increase funding for programs that support farmers and the agriculture industry, job seekers and local businesses so our economy can grow.<\/p>\n

New York is facing a large budget deficit this year, so this budget season will be a challenging one. But be assured that, I\u2019m going to fight to ensure Central New York is not left behind. I\u2019ll be looking for ways to address the heroin and opioid epidemic, ensure a progressive tax code that protects middle-class families and local businesses, and work toward equitable access to health care. As always, I\u2019ll also continue my fight for more school funding so that our kids are prepared for the future and receive the training necessary for today\u2019s jobs.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll be hosting my town hall meetings from\u00a0Feb. 15 to March 8<\/span>\u00a0to discuss the state budget process and how I can better represent Central New York. Attending these meetings is a great way for your voice to be heard, as it gives me a chance to listen to and talk with community members in person about the issues that matter to them. I encourage everyone who can to attend. The town hall meetings will take place on:<\/p>\n