Lupinacci Reacts To 2016-2017 State Budget

This year’s budget process was the most secretive and least transparent during my time in Albany. While my colleagues and I have attempted to address these issues, it is business as usual for the Assembly Majority.

Despite those shortcomings, I am pleased with the level of funding appropriated for education in this budget. For the first time since 2010, public school districts will see the complete restoration of funds withheld under the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) – a victory for all New Yorkers.

In addition, SUNY students will benefit from $3.5 million earmarked for Small Business Development Centers as well as freezing tuition costs. These centers will prepare SUNY students for lifelong careers in business, giving future entrepreneurs the skilled workers they need to build a strong, stable economy.

Lastly, I am thrilled to announce approximately $1 billion in middle-class tax cuts. These cuts will help ease the burden on our middle-class families. Cutting taxes was a priority of my conference and I am delighted we were able to accomplish it.