“Today I helped pass, for the second year in a row, an on-time state budget that closes a $3.5 billion budget gap without any new taxes or gimmicks and helps pave the way for a more financially sound future for New York. This budget is good for New York and includes investments in education, healthcare and jobs that will help the working families of Rockland County.

Specific investments include: a $751 million increase in school aid, $30.6 for the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program and $220 million for economic development. These investments address the needs of Rockland County, while holding spending under 2 percent growth and strengthening our state’s economic recovery.”