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Tuesday, January 20, 2004
"The 2004-05 Executive Budget proposed by Governor Pataki is a strong beginning to the budget process. I believe the Governor did an excellent job, given the fiscal constraints we are faced with and the many critically important needs of New Yorkers. I hope the Executive Budget will be the start of an accelerated process that concludes with a new budget in place by April 1st.
During the course of negotiations, the Senate will be advocating for our priorities, including investing in education to strengthen the quality of education for our children. The Senate will work to improve the quality and accessibility of health care for all New Yorkers. We want to provide critically important mandate relief to localities and property taxpayers, especially relating to Medicaid and pension reform. I applaud Governor Pataki for setting a course that can help us achieve these goals.
The Governor also deserves praise for his emphasis on job creation and economic development, which is consistent with the Senate�s position that we not increase taxes and do everything we can to make New York State more economically competitive.
Through cooperation, communication and negotiation, we can work together to enact a new budget that is on target and on time."
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