“During my more than 20 years in the Jefferson County Legislature and as chairman of the board, I understood the importance of balancing a budget and safeguarding the taxpayer. Gov. Hochul’s proposed budget for the upcoming year is a record-high $227 billion. A total that fails to reflect that taxpayers continue to struggle with necessities like groceries and gas, and has the potential to add to the crisis of New Yorker’s heading for the exits for more affordable states.

“As negotiations begin with the Legislature for the final budget, we must exercise some form of fiscal responsibility. We can find common ground and increase funding for education, mental health services or our local roads and bridges without being wasteful. I look forward to advocating for the North Country taxpayer in this process.”