The Catskill Chronicle

NEW YORK STATE (March 21, 2013) –

Governor Cuomo – “For the first time in almost three decades our state is poised to pass its third on time fiscally responsible budget in a row, a feat that is restoring public and investor confidence in our state’s finances and economic future. The dysfunction in Albany created a fiscal mess for our state that seemed impossible to overcome but now, by making government function, cutting taxes and controlling spending, New York is seeing its highest investor confidence since 2009 as measured by the rally in our bonds. This past month S&P reaffirmed the positive rating that it gave the state last year. New York is back on the right fiscal track and, with the passage of our third on-time balanced budget which cuts taxes for the middle class and holds the line on spending, our future has never been brighter.”

Senator Bonacic – “I am pleased the Legislature is on its way to adopting an early State budget that reduces the tax burden on New Yorkers and helps small businesses grow, all while funding essential governmental services. I am most pleased that the budget:

· Provides for an increase of nearly $1 billion for education;

· Reduces the tax burden on families with children by providing a new child tax credit starting in 2014;

· Provides a hiring tax credit to help returning soldiers and young people find work, including a permanent tax credit for hiring veterans;

· Initiates the Market-NY program to increase support for tourism and agriculture;

· Increases CHIPS aid for local roads and bridges by $75 million. This is the first increase in five years.

“Beyond prioritizing spending though, I am especially pleased the State is prioritizing accountability and innovation in education. Two years ago, even when Governor Cuomo opposed it, I led to effort to better fund education by maintaining the Millionaire’s tax.

“This year, the State will successfully build on that fairer funding of our schools by enhancing accountability in the spending of hard-earned taxpayer dollars, including: State increases being tied to teacher evaluations; increased standards for teacher certification; and rewarding high performing teachers with annual stipends for the most effective teachers – starting with math and science.”