Statement from Assemblyman Joe Errigo

 

     I was pleased to see Governor Spitzer, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno come to an agreement on the issue of budget reform. My Assembly Republican colleagues and I have been pushing for these reforms and are pleased that they are on board with our initiatives. New York state needs a timely, more transparent and accountable budget process. I am optimistic that the Assembly will pass these reforms before the governor releases his executive budget on January 31st. However, to my disappointment, Assembly Republicans and Senate Democrats were not invited to the press conference, giving the impression that the three men in the room politics of the past are alive and well in Albany. It is my hope that this impression does not continue in the future. The public has mandated openness and fairness for all New Yorkers.