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Three St. Lawrence County elected officials praise new budget; assemblyman says it's 'constitution-defying'

Posted 3/31/18

Several state officials and a local mayor released statements expressing a variety of opinions on the newly passed state budget "“Thanks to the determination of Governor Cuomo, we once again have a …

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Three St. Lawrence County elected officials praise new budget; assemblyman says it's 'constitution-defying'

Posted

Several state officials and a local mayor released statements expressing a variety of opinions on the newly passed state budget

"“Thanks to the determination of Governor Cuomo, we once again have a comprehensive, timely state budget that supports all New Yorkers. It is exciting to see an eighth round of the Regional Economic Development Councils included in this budget, which has successfully invited community stakeholders to join the economic development process in their respective regions and helped to make significant changes statewide. Collectively, these councils are revitalizing communities and supporting job creation efforts, and I look forward to their continued progress," Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall said in a news release.

Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, released a statement pointing to $40 million being made available to help people recovering from last year's St. Lawrence River flooding. She also pointed out a previous 40 percent cut to agriculture programs is being restored.

She also highlighted a 6 percent increase in school aid and "a scheduled 20 percent middle class income tax cut and prevents backdoor tax hikes on state returns triggered by changes to the federal tax code."

A news release from her office says it also creates a record $34 million capital fund for critical construction and improvement projects, and delivers the first operating aid increase in three years for public libraries.

"From record investments in education to unprecedented support for key industries like agriculture, the new state budget closes a deep deficit and still invests in key priorities that will help strengthen our economy and improve our communities without raising taxes," Ritchie said in a prepared statement. "New York's new spending plan helps to make our state a better place and creates more opportunity for today, and for the future,"

Assemblyman Marc Butler, R-Newport, said he is not happy with the way the budget passed and called the way it was passed "constitution-defying."

"Negotiated behind closed doors, passed overnight and using a constitution-defying gimmick to get it to the floor for voting, the enactment of New York's state budget is one of the least transparent processes in Albany. Considering taxpayers are footing the $168.3 billion bill, more openness and forthright honesty from officials should be provided to the public," he said in a prepared statement.

Sen. Betty Little, R-Queensbury, said in a statement that she is satisfied with the 2018-19 spending plan.

“First and foremost, I am both relieved and grateful that the new state budget does not change the current method of state payments to localities for taxes on state owned lands,” Little said in prepared remarks. “The executive budget had included a proposal to change the system from ad valorem to a

payment in lieu of taxes, PILOTS. Local governments, environmentalists and many others were unequivocal in their united and vocal opposition to this plan. All were concerned that it would have overturned a more than century-old practice clearly defined in statute and would have unfairly cost local taxpayers. Getting this out of the budget was a priority for me and I am very pleased we’ve gotten the result so many wanted.

“The new state budget also does not include increases in taxes or fees. For taxpayers and small businesses, in particular, it is important the state holds the line on revenue raisers for affordability, the health of the economy and for job creation.

“The State Budget includes a large increase in school funding. The increase in foundation aid over what was proposed in the executive budget will be especially helpful to our schools now in the process of formulating their own budget plans.

“The budget also provides increased funding for community colleges and other higher education programs.

“I am pleased there is funding for numerous health care initiatives, including $1 million for Lyme and Tick-borne disease given the increased rate of exposure we are seeing in the North Country and Adirondacks.”