Contact: Michael Fraser, (518) 455-3751
New York State Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I-Canandaigua) is pictured above speaking during the General Budget Conference Committee Meeting on Monday, March 11 in Albany. Leader Kolb underscored the importance of holding budget negotiations in the light of day to ensure a transparent and open process for all New Yorkers.
Additionally, Leader Kolb highlighted the need to stimulate New York's economy and private sector job growth, as well as provide relief from unfunded mandates that burden schools, taxpayers and local governments. Kolb called for restoring the six-percent cut to programs and organizations that support people with developmental disabilities as well as adjusting the school aid formula to ensure resources are directed toward low-wealth, high-need school districts across the state. Kolb also noted the importance of eliminating the temporary 18-A "Energy Tax" to help ease the financial burdens and hidden taxes on New York's citizens.