“Gov. Hochul presented her $216 billion 2022-23 Executive Budget today all in seventeen minutes. Despite the brevity, I was pleased that she addressed preparing the state’s operating reserves and spoke on the need to spend cash instead of further indebting future generations of New Yorkers. She also promised to make a significant investment in infrastructure. We know that potholes and bridges in disrepair are major concerns across our region. Like the governor, I hope to see these priorities in the final budget, along with tax relief. However, budget negotiations are just beginning. Time will tell how far downstate-driven interests influence the final budget agreement.”