Buffalo Ledger

Norris Provides State Budget Update

On April 26, 2024, Representative Norris delivered a detailed update on the state budget, emphasizing his concerns and reasons for voting against it. Norris expressed his dissatisfaction with the excessive spending by downstate-controlled legislative Majorities, stating, "New York state leads the nation in population loss and is at the bottom of other states—ranking 49th on the state business tax climate index and 50th in the amount of individual income tax." He highlighted the unsustainable nature of the current spending in New York, particularly driven by costly Medicaid programs and funding for illegal migrants.

Norris strongly opposed the inclusion of the RAPID Act in the budget, which expands the state's authority over transmission lines to industrial solar and wind generating facilities, infringing on local control and private property rights. He emphasized the need for New York state to refocus on essential investments in education, public protection, and infrastructure, advocating for fair share distribution and priorities important to Western New Yorkers.

Despite his no vote, Norris acknowledged some positive aspects of the budget, such as increased funding for education, library construction, investment in the Erie Canal's infrastructure, and Aid and Incentives for Municipalities. However, he raised concerns about flat funding for essential programs like CHIPS, volunteer firefighters' earned income tax credit, and facility upgrades for volunteer fire departments.

One notable success highlighted by Norris was the allocation of $150 million to the NY SWIMS program aimed at preventing childhood drowning, reflecting a bipartisan effort to address a critical issue affecting New Yorkers.

In conclusion, Norris recognized the bipartisan accomplishments in the budget but stressed that more needs to be done to ensure Western New Yorkers receive adequate returns on their investments, despite the disproportionate allocation of funds to downstate programs.