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The following is an overview of initiatives and changes included in the Assembly proposal, as outlined by State Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski, D-New City.
The Assembly has rejected the STAR program changes that were included in the governor's Executive Budget.
These include the following:
- Freezing the STAR program, which would prevent taxpayers from getting a modest increase in their deduction.
- Changing the program from a property tax reduction to an income tax credit which would cause a burden to new homeowners.
Increasing Education Aid
- Increase of $2.13 billion in education aid from last year, $1.2 billion over the Governor’s original proposal.
- Would fully restorer the remaining $434 million of the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA).
- Zebrowski's proposal includes help to provide full day kindergarten statewide.
- The $37 million proposal will assist the nine remaining districts with only half day programs.
- Supporting the East Ramapo Monitors to support the continuation of the monitors on the ground in the East Ramapo School District.
Freezing SUNY Tuition
- The Assembly will also allocate $1.7 billion to higher education and include an increase in Community College base aid which will keep tuition down.
Funding to combat heroin epidemic funding
- The Assembly has provided $30 million for prevention and treatment services for those battling addiction.
- An additional $30 million will go toward at risk communities and individuals to ensure that they have access to affordable and quality rehabilitation, in addition to continued support after treatment.
Upgrades to Infrastructure
- The Assembly has proposed $300 million for water and sewer infrastructure upgrades, a $50 million increase over the Governor’s proposal.
- The funding will be distributed across the State through grants to local governments for water main repairs or replacements as well as sewage treatment facilitation.
The Assembly also increased funding to local highways departments by $50 million ($488 million total) to assist with local road repairs.
While not the final budget it represents the Assembly's priorities and changes to the governor's original proposal.
Once the resolution passes, both houses and the governor will work to craft a final budget.
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