BP MARKOWITZ STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR CUOMO’S BUDGET ADDRESS

“During these challenging economic times, I applaud Governor Cuomo for introducing a budget proposal that aims to ease the burden on local governments and, ultimately, the taxpayers of New York. Through mandate relief, aid to local governments and the gradual reduction of the Medicaid growth costs counties have to pay—from the current cap of three percent to zero percent by FY 2015—the Governor shows he is committed to helping the state’s 62 counties—including our own Kings County and New York City’s four other boroughs—weather the economic downturn and maintain as many essential services and programs as possible. I also commend the Governor for cracking down on the abuse of overtime to inflate pensions. I look forward to reviewing details of the Governor’s budget proposal as it moves through the Legislature, and will work to ensure—as always—that Brooklyn and New York City get their fair share.”