“This year, our economic climate has caused a rise in everyday purchases, childcare, rents, mortgage payments, and transportation. And among the discussions I have had with my residents during my first months as their new Assemblyman, remaining committed to putting our families first and making life affordable in these tough economic times is paramount.

“The Assembly proposed budget plan, introduced earlier this week, does just that – it includes critical funding to ensure that hardworking parents, students and our communities are supported. The spending plan allocates funding for afterschool programs and providers and childcare subsidies. The spending plan also includes funds to ensure the maintenance and improvement of regional and local highways and bridges, and places safeguards in place to strengthen public safety in our state.