As we move closer to a state budget, I'd like to update you on what I've been doing in my district and in Albany over the past couple of weeks.
The State Senate passed our "Brighter Future" budget plan, which shifts the focus back on our students by eliminating the notorious Gap Elimination Adjustment andrestoring millions of dollars to schools across the state. Our one-house budget resolution also cuts taxes, creates jobs, provides money to upgrade our infrastructure, and strengthens our agriculture by supporting local farmers and promoting locally grown foods.
I had a chance to speak with many of the farmers in Orleans County who take pride in producing some of the region's freshest homegrown fruits and vegetables. The Senate Majority is now working to expand their markets across the globe.
While these budget items are meant to better serve the families of Niagara, Orleans and Monroe counties, let's not forget about the military men and women at theNiagara Falls Air Reserve Station who do their best to serve us.
I recently visited the air base during a rollout of a new marketing campaign, Joint Base Niagara, highlighting how unique the base really is – it's location, it's aircraft and missions and its size. The base is home to more than a couple thousand employees, and has a huge impact on our economy and our national security. I'll do my best to advocate for the air base, and make sure it'll be a part of Niagara County and Western New York for many years to come.
Lastly, other legislators and I rallied alongside mental health professionals as we pushed for a tax check off bill for mental health public awareness. We want this bill as part of this year's state budget. It's something I co-sponsored, so that more people with a mental illness can get the help they need free from any stigma ordiscrimination.
I'll be sure to update you again soon with news from our state's capital and around the district.