It is full steam ahead in Albany as work to complete an on-time state budget is fully underway. While meeting the April 1 deadline is important, it is even more vital that the final product is fiscally responsible AND meets the needs of families, businesses, and community groups.

The senate budget resolution, which I helped craft, includes a number of key initiatives that will be valuable to our state’s future. Among the highlights - property tax relief to combat the greatest expense families and business in New York face; education aid that will support our neediest schools; and job creation incentives which will help boost economic development.

One of the highlights of the senate’s plan is a new property tax relief initiative called “Freeze Plus NY.” The proposal builds on the successful results of the STAR program and New York’s landmark property tax cap by providing $1.4 billion in additional property tax relief over the next two years.

The foundation of “Freeze Plus NY” is an even stronger partnership between the state, school districts, and local governments. A majority of local leaders are already taking steps to operate in an efficient manner. This plan rewards them with financial support and mandate relief measures. The new proposal includes a provision to make the property tax cap permanent, and the tax freeze initiative and related savings would also be locked-in to ensure both short and long-term savings.