North Country politicians Assemblyman Mark Walczyk and Senator Joseph Griffo have weighed in on Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed state budget.

Walczyk and Griffo said that the governor needs to address the new bail reform that was approved through last year’s budget.

The politicians also touched on shifting Medicaid costs to counties, the $6.2 million deficit and infrastructure.

Walczyk statement

“Today, the governor outlined his Executive Budget Proposal, giving us all an idea of what his priorities are for the coming fiscal year.

“The governor has again jammed some policy initiatives into the budget conversation that are unnecessary. He's also proposed tackling a number of real budget items. Changing the public school Foundation Aid formula to provide additional funding to higher needs schools may bode well for Northern New York.

"Conversely, threatening impoverished areas of our state, by shifting Medicaid burden onto counties, may have devastating consequences in the areas of New York with the highest Medicaid enrollment. The governor said there will be '...zero impact on local governments...' but then in the very next breath he says counties will pick up the Medicaid costs on anything over three percent.

Additionally, it seems the governor is open to making changes to the bail reforms he crammed into last year’s budget. Because our safety is at stake, I'll continue to pressure the Executive to take action to repeal 'catch & release.’

“While these appear to be steps in the right direction, it’s clear to me the devil will be in the details.

“I’ll be thoroughly reviewing the governor’s full proposal in the coming weeks, collecting input from the public, listening, and looking for solutions to closing the $6.1 billion budget deficit."

Assemblyman Walczyk represents the 116th District, which includes parts of St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties.

Griffo statement

New York State Senator Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, released the following statement today regarding the Governor’s 20-21 State Budget proposal:

“Now that the Governor has presented his proposed budget, we will hold hearings and closely examine and discuss all that was contained within the spending plan. During this process, it is important that we remain cognizant and focused on addressing the state’s economic and fiscal challenges and stopping the exodus of individuals, families and business.

“I remain frustrated that major policy initiatives continue to be included in the budget. As I have continuously stressed, these are issues that should be vetted independently and transparently. The flawed bail reform is the latest example of policy being jammed through in the budget, which does not allow the opportunity to solicit input from all involved stakeholders.

“I am appreciative that the Governor recognizes local projects that deserve support, but I am concerned with how this proposed spending plan will affect a growing $6.2 billion budget deficit. Some in the Democratic majorities in the legislature have suggested raising taxes and fees to close this gap. This is not the answer and doing so will continue to make New York unaffordable for middle-class families.

“Investing in infrastructure is important. Upon further review of the Governor’s proposal, it seems to lack parity between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York City and upstate roads and bridges. While I understand that fixing the MTA and New York City’s transportation issues are important, I will continue to advocate for parity in the investments between upstate and downstate for transportation as well as underground infrastructure. It also is important to address health issues affecting our state, but was disconcerting that the Governor chose to emphasize a public health priority related to vaping but didn’t spend much time addressing the public safety issue caused by bail-related changes.

“We now will look for more specific details regarding what has been proposed and will engage with and hear from involved individuals in an effort to gather their input on each proposal. It is important that people involved in all subject areas and state policy and operations have the opportunity to let their voices be heard because this is how we can take action to address the issues affecting the state.

“While I am pleased that the Governor has proposed lowering taxes on small businesses, we must continue to seek out ways to make our state more affordable, including lowering taxes, reducing burdensome regulations and mandates, cutting energy costs and creating new economic opportunities. These items no cost attached to them and can help to build a better and brighter future for all New Yorkers,” Griffo said.