Assemblyman Ray Walter (R,C,I-Amherst) is working to ensure that the 2013-14 budget is carefully crafted to keep the interests of Western New York at the forefront. Specifically, Walter is advocating against a six percent ($120 million) cut to private, non-profit providers of support to people with developmental disabilities and against the 18-A utilities tax extension. He is also fighting for restoration of Gov. Cuomo’s 2011 $13.9 million education aid cut to schools in his district and allocation of more funds to Consolidated Highway Improvement Programs (CHIPs).
“Western New York families deserve the best quality of life possible, and I’m fighting to make sure that this budget preserves and improves on that,” said Walter. “My colleagues in both houses and I are working tirelessly with Gov. Cuomo to hash out an early budget deal that protects and supports those who need it most, our children, those with developmental disabilities, and our hardworking middle-class families who are overburdened by high state taxes. That being said, we should also be crafting a deal that breaks the trend of consistently sending upstate New York tax dollars to New York City.”
As part of his efforts, Walter has signed onto and helped circulate a bi-partisan letter signed by more than 120 members urging Speaker Silver to fully restore the cut to developmental disability programs, and has signed onto a petition to advocate for an increase in CHIPs funding for damaged roads and bridges.