Op-Ed: Newly Approved State Budget Responds To Challenges

Ken Zebrowski represents District 96 in the New York State Assembly.

This week, I was proud to work with my colleagues to pass a budget that delivers for New Yorkers and responds to the challenges our state faces. This year's budget delivers for our families by fully funding our schools and providing free meals for needy students. It includes important policies to improve public safety by cracking down on gun violence and giving judges more discretion to set bail. It rejects tax increases and preserves all STAR and enhanced STAR benefits. It sets the stage for renewable energy projects and provides critical infrastructure funding to repair bridges and roads. The final budget also rejects policies and proposals that would negatively impact our communities, like SUNY/CUNY tuition increases and housing policies that take control away from localities.

In January I took over as Chair of the Corporations Committee which oversees the MTA and all public authorities and commissions. I had a goal of bringing increased attention to West of Hudson commuting issues while also improving the overall services and efficiency of the MTA. This budget delivers on both fronts. The MTA’s COVID induced operating deficit was closed and services were increased; further, Rockland and other Counties outside NYC will not see any increased taxes or costs. Post budget my work will continue in this area as the MTA and I develop strategies to increase services to west of Hudson commuters. I want to thank Janno Lieber, CEO of the MTA; Speaker Heastie and my Assembly team for their hard work during this process.

Though we still have work to do, I am proud to have fought for a budget that will continue to move New York forward.