This year’s budget makes strides in several areas for Long Island families. For starters, we managed to once again rein in state spending, keeping it within the same two percent growth we expect our counties and school districts to follow. More importantly, we managed to hold the line on spending and still manage to increase aid crucial to our schools.

The efforts of the Long Island Assembly Minority delegation paid off, and the voices of our concerned residents were heard. This year’s budget included a full restoration of the High Tax Aid, alleviating some of the burden on our residents. To boot, Long Island schools saw an overall increase in school aid in the final budget. Overall, Long Island schools are receiving an increase of $121 million in aid this upcoming year.

Unfortunately, this budget also has its shortcomings. It takes $90 million away from non-profit providers of care to the developmentally disabled. These caregivers already operate on a shoestring budget, providing a safe venue and attention to the most vulnerable members of our society, and taking this funding away from them is an issue that needs to be remedied going forward.

This budget also failed to provide any meaningful mandate and tax relief. Our communities still face sky-high property and income taxes, drastically reducing the quality of life on Long Island. On top of this, while there was also some attention paid to easing the burden on our job creators and stimulating the small-business growth that drives our economy, more still needs to be done.

Going forward, I plan on fighting for our developmentally disabled, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. As always, I will be a voice for Long Island in Albany, working to make our communities more affordable and enhance the quality of life for ALL our residents.