| Praising the New State Budget That 'Stays True to Our New York Values, Puts Families First' |
I am proud of the new $168.3 billion 2018-19 state budget that I helped pass, which includes a nearly $1 billion increase in education funding, invests in infrastructure and transportation repairs, protects New Yorkers from federal tax changes and institutes meaningful sexual harassment policy reforms.
Because of a sizable budget deficit, we had to make some tough decisions. But we fought hard for a spending plan that stays true to our New York values. This budget gives all New Yorkers a voice.
From the public school student who deserves every chance to reach for the stars, to the tenant whose quality of life has been sacrificed for far too long, to the hardworking parents struggling to put their kid through college and the family torn apart by the opioid crisis, we’re here for you. It’s our responsibility to look out for you and to build a better New York. This blueprint moves us forward.
Thwarting federal tax changes
This budget also includes measures that help blunt the impact of the federal tax plan, which increases taxes on many middle-class families by restricting state and local tax deductibility.
Taxpayers who donate to newly created state-operated funds designed to help improve health care and education can claim these contributions as deductions on their state and federal tax deductions, as well as claim a state tax credit equal to 85 percent of the donation amount.
School districts and local governments would be allowed to create similar charitable funds that would offer local property tax deductions equal to a percentage of the contribution amount.
The new federal tax bill represents a multipronged attack on New Yorkers, raising taxes on hardworking families and threatening our economic future. This new state budget includes measures to limit the law’s impact and protect New Yorkers from its devastating effects.
Tax cuts for middle-class families
The budget also continues phasing in middle-class tax cuts, which are projected to save families $4.2 billion annually by 2025, and continues the local property tax relief credit.
Saving for the future can be an uphill battle when more and more families are struggling just to make ends meet. These families deserve a break, which is why this year’s budget continues these vital tax cuts.
Investing in education
The new budget provides $26.6 billion in education funding, an increase of $914 million – or 3.6 percent – over the previous year.
To support students in underserved communities, it includes a $50 million increase to help high-need schools – including struggling schools, districts with large numbers of English language learners (ELLs) and districts with increasing numbers of homeless students – become community schools.
The budget also provides $7.6 billion in funding for higher education and the Excelsior Scholarship program, because a student’s ability to pay should never determine where their educational journey ends.
Protecting NYCHA tenants
NYCHA tenants deserve better than the horrific living conditions they find themselves in, including 80 percent of them being without heat this past winter. This budget invests $250 million to make capital repairs, including replacing and updating heating equipment, and other critical maintenance projects.
Combating the opioid crisis, substance use disorders
To combat the opioid epidemic and create a road to recovery, thebudget establishes the $100 million Opioid Stewardship Fund to help curb the epidemic by creating a partnership with the pharmaceutical industry to expand prevention, treatment and recovery programs for individuals with substance use disorder.
Standing up against sexual harassment
Harassment and sexual misconduct are too often known of, but not spoken about for fear of retaliation. This budget takes overdue steps to correct that, giving victims the power they deserve to pursue justice and making sure the perpetrators of these degrading acts are held accountable.”
Measures includes legislation to ensure employers have comprehensive policies to combat sexual harassment in the workplace; a measure barring confidentiality clauses in any settlement except when specifically requested by the victim, and a ban on mandatory arbitration agreements for claims of sexual harassment.
I am proud that working with my fellow Assembly members and the Assembly leadership, we have managed to craft a working budget that is both fair and progressive, one that serves both the needs and dreams of the people of our great state, and especially its families.
Don't forget to vote in the special election on April 24th.
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