“The governor’s State of the State address touched on several key issues for Central New York, including making sure our public schools are fairly funded, standing up to the federal tax plan and reducing property taxes and investing in our region’s infrastructure.

“For far too long, students in poorer communities and high-need districts have been shortchanged and left without the resources they need to excel. I look forward to working with the governor to ensure that more funding is given to these districts to help level the playing field for our kids. I also support his proposals to expand pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds as well as build on the Empire State After-School Program. Educating our children and preparing them for the future is our most important responsibility, and it is one I take extremely seriously. Each and every child deserves an opportunity to succeed, no matter where they live or what their background is. I’ll also work to implement the No Student Goes Hungry Program, which would combat childhood hunger by expanding access to free breakfast programs, end ‘lunch shaming’ and expand farm to school programs, into action.

“Further, we certainly can’t ignore the impact the new federal tax plan will have on our families, and I stand with the governor’s call to fight it. I’m also committed to working with him and my colleagues to reduce the already crushing property tax burden Central New York families face.

“Our region is only as strong as our infrastructure, and I’ll once again spend this legislative session working to invest in needed projects. As mentioned in the State of the State, the I-81 revitalization project is making good progress and the Environmental Impact Statement is one step closer to final review and consideration. The governor also proposed constructing an inland port in the town of DeWitt, which will undoubtedly boost our economy and region’s competitiveness and help create good jobs.

“The proposals set forth today are a step in the right direction for Central New York, and I’ll keep working to make these and other initiatives a reality in our region.”