Ceretto: State budget a step in the right direction

Assemblyman John Ceretto, R-I-Lewiston, released the following statement regarding his vote for the 2011-12 New York state budget:

"The 2011-12 state budget places New York on the path to prosperity and fiscal sanity today rather than saddle our children with more taxes and fewer choices tomorrow.

"Today we cut spending for the first time in 15 years and passed only the fifth on-time budget in Albany in three decades. This budget will not only place New York on solid financial footing by closing the state's $10 billion deficit, but will also help to spur economic growth and job creation by establishing programs like Recharge New York and regional economic councils.

"Though painful, difficult decisions and shared sacrifices had to be made in order to prevent greater budget deficits next year, taxpayers, families, and businesses who demanded an end to wasteful spending and a reduction in the size of the costliest government in the country will begin to see results this year.

"Lawmakers must now work with the governor to build upon the state's budget and enact policies such as a property tax cap, mandate relief and UB2020, which will enhance the state's ability to compete today's global economy while providing needed relief to New York's taxpayer."