Governor Andrew Cuomo says he's focused on working with legislative leaders on finalizing a new state budget by the April 1st start of the new fiscal year.
Both houses of the Legislature have spent this week acting on one house budget resolutions that highlight their respective budget priorities. On WBFO's "Capitol Pressroom'' Thursday, Cuomo said it's all part of the process.
"When your parents say do a Christmas list and write down anything you want, that's sort of the one house resolutions to me," Cuomo said.
With that now wrapped up, Cuomo says real budget negotiations can begin.
Last week, the Governor gave his full support to charter schools during a massive rally at the state Capitol. He echoed that support in his Capitol Pressroom interview, saying the future of charter schools must be protected in the budget.
"We're not going to be in a situation where charter schools stop, not if I have anything to do with it," Cuomo said.
Cuomo says he looks forward to negotiating a final budget that is fiscally strong and delivers real property tax relief to struggling homeowners.