Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco (R-C-I, Schenectady and Saratoga) today issued the following statement regarding the release of Governor Pataki's 2006-07 Executive Budget:

"The Governor offered a very good framework for the 2006-07 Budget. Restraining the rate of spending growth and reducing the tax burden for families are two of the top priorities of my conference. Our government spends too much and we tax too much and anytime we can pull back on the reins a bit and prioritize where we're allocating tax dollars that's a good thing. If we are to maintain competitiveness as a state in attracting new jobs and discouraging young families from leaving our state this is essential. The property tax rebates and the education tax credits are two tax cuts that are particularly family friendly.

"At the same time some new spending priorities are welcome. The many proposals on reducing the cost of energy, especially seniors' home heating bills, and developing clean and renewable energies are very good. And the initiatives to encourage and support students from grade school to college to study and excel in math, science and engineering are excellent. America is losing its edge in these areas and we need to realize that and address it head on."