“For the future of our state, it’s essential that this budget gets back to basics. Safe, passable roads, bridges and culverts and sewers that provide drainage from flooding and protect our water supply are the basic services our government should provide along with public protection measures. With the extreme weather events we have experienced all across our state, but particularly in Western New York, this is not the time to cut or hold flat funding for the programs that provide this fundamental money. As the Ranking Member of the Assembly Transportation Committee, I’ve been working hard to encourage my colleagues this budget season to make smart investments to rebuild, restore and revitalize our local infrastructure along with continued expansion of our broadband. These services are essential to every New Yorker and critical for our economic success.”