Assemblyman
Marcos A. Crespo’s votes no on budget bill that fails to provide an
indexed minimum wage increase and establishes the NYS Dream Act
ALBANY, NEW YORK – (03/28/2013)
--- Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo, today, voted no on part of the $136
billion 2013-2014 State Budget because major issues impacting his
community where omitted and in other cases are inadequate to addressing
the growing rates of poverty in the Bronx and New York State.
According to Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo, member of the Assembly Standing Committee on Cities, “I
want to make it clear that the Assembly, under the leadership of
Speaker Sheldon Silver, has managed to turn back attempts to reduce
State funding for our hospitals, schools, colleges and vital community
services. Yet Assembly efforts to shape a budget that meets the needs
of all New Yorkers was derailed by the Senate Republicans and the
Governor.”
“Specifically
I am referring to the failure to immediately raise the minimum wage and
index it to inflation and the failure to embrace the intellectual
capital of undocumented immigrant children by enacting the Dream Act,”
declared Crespo.
Crespo
added, “I can not vote yes on a budget that places public relations
gimmicks over the basic needs of my constituents and their families and
children. Passing an on-time budget with tax refunds for those making
up to $300,000 per year while making a single mother wait three years
for a $1.75 increase in her hourly wage is unacceptable.”
“There
are defining moments in our lives that measure our values. If we can
find millions to subsidize the business operations of
multi-millionaires, then we can find the courage to secure State support
for children and communities that have long been marginalized,” stated
Crespo. “This is such a defining moment for me and my vote will reflect
my convictions.”
