Assemblyman Keith P. Brown (R,C-Northport) was proud to wear orange in Albany last week in support of increasing funding for New York state’s Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS). New York residents, road workers and lawmakers from across the aisle have voiced their concerns and strong opposition to Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposal to cut $60 million from CHIPS funding in her Executive Budget. The message is clear: New York’s infrastructure will suffer greatly if this proposal goes through.

“Local roads have and will always be essential to commuters, local businesses, our school districts and first responders from all over the state,” said Brown. “So many institutions rely on well-maintained roadways for transportation services, product delivery and even emergency response. To ensure our roads remain safe and reliable for years to come, the proper funding needs to be available to offset the costs of hiring road maintenance workers, equipment, and materials. This is not an area of the State Budget where we should be cutting corners. As a matter of public safety, I sincerely hope Governor Hochul will reconsider her proposal to cut CHIPS funding this year.”