Assemblyman Dan Stec (R,C,I-Queensbury) shared his thoughts today on the 2013-14 New York State budget. Stec felt there while there were a few negatives in the budget, the bulk of it more than adequately addressed the needs of his constituents while holding the line on spending, increasing it by less than one percent.
“This year’s budget contains many positive items for our communities,” said Stec. “There is a much-needed commitment to improving our highways and bridges, a measure I have strongly supported even before I entered the Assembly. In another commitment to our many lake communities, there is increased funding in this budget to combat our aquatic invasive species. The Olympic Regional Development Authority also received continued support and investment, an issue of importance to many in my district.
“There was also a renewed focus on education and our economy. Our schools will see the overall increase in aid they need to provide our children with the quality education they deserve. Another $150 million was laid out for the Regional Economic Development Councils, further helping our job creators grow and develop our economy.
“Unfortunately, there were other items included in the budget I can not support. The $36 million for the SAFE Act only goes further toward treating our responsible, law-abiding gun owners as criminals and I will continue working to repeal this violation of our constitutional right. I voted to fully restore the $90 million cut to non-profit providers of care to the developmentally disabled, a cut which is unconscionable. We need to renew our commitment to ensuring we take care of those who are unable to care for themselves.
“While there were several negative items in this budget, there was a great deal that will greatly enhance the quality of life in our communities. I believe that the budget we are passing today importantly holds the line on spending.”