New York State Assembly

"The Assembly Majority continues to use taxpayer money to bankroll a misguided social agenda that doesn't come close to representing the best interests of New York State. The DREAM Act directs millions of dollars away from hard-working New Yorkers into a pot of money from which illegal immigrants can fund tuition payments. Our state's educational system fights and claws for every penny to avoid teacher layoffs and program cuts, but THIS is where we direct our student resources?

The Majority's anti-taxpayer, anti-business, anti-prosperity priorities become more obvious with each legislative proposal. In addition to this latest assault on taxpayers, this session they have focused on spending the public's money on political campaigns; they have added yet another unfunded mandate onto local governments by calling for early elections; they have hindered business growth by raising the minimum wage and passing a New York City-sponsored Farmworkers Bill.

In no way, shape or form do these measures represent the best interests of 19 million New Yorkers. Once again, we see that their priorities fall far out of line with the needs of our state's families and individuals."