New York State has a new budget in place and initial reaction is mixed.
State Comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli, said despite growing signs of fiscal strain, general aid for local governments is largely flat in the new budget. He said close monitoring will be needed. Assemblyman, Billy Jones, said he was happy to see funding for important programs in the North Country that he secured was in the budget. However, he said there were aspects of the budget he didn't support such as closing of correctional facilities and nothing about increasing safety and staffing at state Correctional facilities. State Senator Dan Stec shared Jones disappointment regarding the lack of attention to State Correctional Facilities. The Senator said, "rather than address HALT, prison violence and contraband, they opted for new language allowing for the early release" of inmates.
Drought Warning
