By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – The State Legislature Friday completed passage of a $113.3 billion budget for the fiscal year that begins Saturday. It marks the second year in a row that lawmakers have approved an on-time budget.
Pataki said he's concerned that the budget spends too much and reforms too little. He says he'll work with legislative leaders in the next two weeks to "put in place not just an on-time budget, but a good budget."
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver says he's proud of the fact that budget matters were debated openly in conference committees.
The budget includes a record increase in state aid to schools. The Buffalo school district will see $42.5 million in additional aid.
The new budget will have an immediate impact. Starting Saturday, the state's four percent sales tax on clothing purchases under $110 dollars will be dropped.