By Eileen Buckley
Albany, NY – The calendar says April 1st -- April Fool's Day -- but it's no joke. There is a state budget. The State Legislature passed an on-time budget for the first time in 20 years Thursday.
"It is a budget that is fair, balanced and responsive to the needs and concerns of working families throughout this state," said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.
Silver says this budget is a product of an "open and public" conference committee process. The budget was even passed well perform a midnight deadline. Lawmakers wrapped up their budget vote Thursday afternoon.
State Assemblyman Sam Hoyt says the budget, first and foremost, puts a cap on Medicaid that should offer relief to Erie County.
"That means there will be predictability and stability in terms of county budgets," Hoyt said. "We all know that the counties' share of Medicaid is far too high. With this cap they will know year after year what their amount is. This is good news for the taxpayers of Erie County."
Hoyt says the budget includes $29 million in increased state aid for Buffalo schools. And he says Buffalo will also receive $13 million in emergency relief to balance the city's budget.
"They can continue to put police on the streets, firefighters in the fire houses and provide the services that we the taxpayers come to expect year after year," Hoyt said.
Assemblywoman Francine Delmonte was pleased with the increases in education aid for Niagara County schools. She says this budget represents a $10.6 million increase from last year.
"That is a substantial increase and among that increase, the Niagara Falls city school district will receive a 5 percent increase, which is $2.6 million in additional aid over the governor's proposed budget," Delmonte said.
The Legislature's final budget differs from Governor Pataki's proposal in education. It calls for $322 million more in school aid than Pataki's proposal.