(Photo by Zachary Meseck)

NORWICH – Representatives of New York State visited Norwich’s Classic Car Museum on Wednesday, and described the state’s budget and its focus on topics like legalizing marijuana, helping small businesses, and combating the housing crisis.

According to New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian Stratton, New York State’s proposed budget totals approximately $178 billion dollars in spending.

Stratton met with Commerce Chenango Executive Director Kerri Green, City of Norwich Mayor Shawn Sastri and Norwich Classic Car Museum Director Robert Jeffery among others following his presentation on the proposed 2020 budget.

Funds would be funneled through categories including $33 billion into climate, $275 billion into infrastructure, $28.5 billion into education, $1.2 billion into economic development, $20 billion into homelessness and housing, along with $6.1 billion into public safety.

“2020 is going to be a year of clear vision and bold action,” said Stratton. “We have made tremendous progress in the last 11 years, and that is going to continue with our upcoming budget.”

Stratton spoke on the categories, and said issues like climate change can’t wait, and that New York State is head of national trends when it comes to being eco-friendly.