By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – 2004 could be a very challenging year for New York State lawmakers. They must deal with a huge state deficit and consider Medicaid reform.
State Senator Byron Brown, who represents parts of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, says one of the "major" challenges will be an anticipated state deficit. Brown says it is looming between $5 billion and $6 billion.
As Brown gets ready to embark on his third year in the Senate, he says there is a great deal of work to accomplish. But Brown says as members of the local delegation return to work, he is hoping that the hefty state deficit doesn't affect his efforts to gain needed assistance for the city of Buffalo.
"The members of the Western New York delegation have been able to deliver resources and important legislation to Buffalo and Western New York time and time again," Brown said. "I think there is a renewed sense of confidence, a spirit of optimism, people pulling together in Buffalo and Western New York. I think we will be up to the challenges we will face in 2004."
Brown says one item that needs adjustments to help benefit this region is the "brownfields" legislation passed last year. He says it is still more expensive when dealing with the "brownfields" issue in Western New York. The Senator also says it is his hope and New Year's resolution that lawmakers would be able to whip out the state budget deficit, close out Buffalo's financial gap and bring more jobs to this region.
"What I will predict is Buffalo is going to survive," Brown said. "The City of Buffalo is going to be around for the long haul."
Brown says even as the city of Buffalo sits at a "low point" right now the "sky is the limit," and he expects to see a turnaround in 2004.