Agriculture is the foundation of our economy. It’s on our farms, where wealth is generated and economic viability begins. It’s on our farms where we see hard work produces a commodity that is sold to feed our families.
Our state has the bad habit of mandating that programs and services and their associated costs be covered by local municipalities. While this has enabled the state to keep the costs of these programs from impacting the state budget, they put substantial stress on property owners who have to pay property taxes to pay for these mandated programs.
The financial difficulties this state faces were decades in the making and there is a great deal of work that still needs to be done to control spending and reduce the tax burden so that our economy can grow.
At the forefront of many conversations is the need for good jobs, but with that, two factors in creating those jobs, property taxes and education.
Area veterinarians have begun to test for Lyme disease in dogs and cats. At one Central New York veterinarian’s practice, 210 dogs and cats tested positive for Lyme Disease this year alone.
This was one of the latest budgets in state history and, unfortunately for New Yorkers it is also one of the worst.
This was one of the latest budgets in state history and, unfortunately for New Yorkers it is also one of the worst.
Last week, we wrapped up the budget at last. By no stretch can I or any lawmaker say that this budget is perfect, but in these difficult times, it represents considerable progress from where we were on April 1.
Local child abuse agencies in Onondaga and Oswego counties have each reported that instances of child abuse are on the rise. Research and history shows that when families and heads of households struggle economically, instances of child abuse and domestic violence increase.
This year’s legislative session has certainly had its share of frustrations, especially in regard to the state budget. With the vast majority of the budget completed, the end is in sight and I am looking forward to closing the process down.
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