Please see the following statement from State Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I – North Tonawanda) regarding the Governor’s State of the State and Executive Budget address.

“As always, the State of the State is heavy on grand pronouncements, but the true challenge will be digging into the details as we look to pass a fiscally-responsible, on-time budget – a budget that must be about doing what’s best for New Yorkers rather than employing an overextension of executive authority. I’m encouraged the Governor followed our lead in supporting the removal of pensions from elected officials convicted of major crimes and the full elimination of the anti-Upstate education gimmick (Gap Elimination Adjustment) that robbed Upstate schools of billions. But I’m also fearful of specific proposals like shuttering the Somerset coal plant. My priorities remain unchanged – improving our local economy, delivering equitable education and infrastructure funding to Western New York, protecting taxpayers, and preserving our constitutional freedoms. The Governor outlined a brighter New York for residents, but it’s virtually impossible to get there without additional steps to control state spending, properly fund our aging infrastructure, and grow small businesses. I’m hopeful we can make this happen and deliver positive results that Western New Yorkers could be proud of.”