Issue Position: Standing Up for Western New York

Issue Position

For a long time, Albany ignored Western New York. We heard too many broken promises over the years. Today, things are different. Because of Tim's outspoken advocacy, Albany is finally listening.

Whether it's fixing our crumbling roads and bridges, getting our fair share of treatment facilities for those suffering from prescription drug addiction, or fighting for more residential options for those with developmental disabilities, Tim is a strong voice for Western New York. Tim will not stand by while our region is shortchanged or while our resources are funneled downstate.

That is why Tim fought to pass the University at Buffalo's long-stalled UB 2020 plan. Tim led his conference in pushing for this plan, which aims to spark the creation of thousands of jobs in downtown Buffalo, while amplifying the overall economic and academic impact of the University at Buffalo and the State University system. Tim was able to inject new energy and leadership into Albany, and Western New York is already seeing the strong economic development benefits of this important legislation.

Tim fought the New York State Department of Transportation, when it was discovered that they made a "human error" resulting in a $167 million shortfall to Western New York's roads and bridges. Because of Tim's outspoken advocacy, this year the New York State Department of Transportation admitted to their error and finally gave us our fair share of infrastructure funding -- increasing public safety and putting people to work.

Last year, the state budget included a proposal to give tax breaks to Wall Street millionaires and billionaires, while at the same time drastically slashing the funding for Western New York schools. Tim stood up to Albany and fought against this tax bailout for millionaires. The buzzword was shared sacrifices, but the sacrifices didn't seem entirely shared. When the proposed tax bailout was included in the negotiated budget, Tim voted no. He refused to support tax breaks for the wealthiest New Yorkers, especially when students in Western New York were suffering program cuts.

There is probably no better argument for the change we have seen in Albany than the Governor's recent $1 billion commitment to Buffalo. Tim was born and raised in Buffalo and Western New York. He understands the profound needs in our community, beginning with jobs and economic opportunities, and he will continue to fight to ensure we receive our fair share of resources.

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