Assemblymember Gabryszak: Governor’s Budget Invests in Upstate Economy

January 28, 2013

In January, Governor Andrew Cuomo presented his 2013-2014 executive budget. This year’s budget will close a $1.3 billion gap without any new taxes or fees and any spending increases will be held below 2 percent for the third consecutive year. The Governor outlined a number of new initiatives that will make a positive impact on our state.

Governor Cuomo reiterated his commitment to Western New York. His budget set aside $100 million in funding and Excelsior tax credits, which are part of his “Billion to Buffalo” plan to help revitalize our regional economy. He has also allocated $60 million in budget funds to help keep the Buffalo Bills for another ten years. $55 million was set aside for a third round of SUNY 2020 which will help the University at Buffalo attract students, grow the Downtown campus and create jobs.

The governor also talked about ways to make state government run more efficiently. This includes making improvements to customer service at the DMV, workforce development systems, and services for our veterans. New York will also begin to consolidate and merge state agencies and programs to save taxpayer dollars. The closure of two prisons- Bayview in Manhattan and Beacon in Dutchess County, will help save taxpayers $18.7 million in 2013-2014 and $62.1 million in 2014-2015.

The budget included several improvements to the education system. The total year-to-year increase to education aid is $889 million, or 4.4 percent. $11 million is being set aside to reward high-performing teachers in math and science subjects with a $15,000 annual stipend for four years. A teacher “bar exam” will be instituted to increase standards for teacher certification and hiring. $6 million will go towards investing in Early College High School programs to help improve admission and exposure to colleges and universities.

“Open Budget” is a new website designed to make state government more open and transparent. “Open Budget” gives anyone direct access to view the 2013-2014 budget online, as well as past budgets dating back 60 years. If you would like more information on Governor Cuomo's budget, please visit www.OpenBudget.NY.gov

I will work with my colleagues to make certain our budget is balanced and passed on time, just has it has been for the past two years. I will also work to ensure that Western New York sees results. As always, if you have any questions regarding the executive budget or any other matter, please don't hesitate to contact me at 716-686-0080 or at gabryszakd@assembly.state.ny.us.

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