Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) released the latest episode of “The Gray Area,” offering a closer look at key takeaways from this year’s state budget, as well as his concerns about recently proposed legislation.

“We passed ten budget bills, and while I was a split vote on some, there were several positive outcomes for the North Country,” said Gray.

Among the positive highlights Gray discussed:

• A 2% baseline increase in education funding, with additional adjustments for local districts
• Universal free school meals for all students
• A successful push to raise the aidable salary threshold for BOCES Career and Technical Education instructors from $30,000 to $60,000
• The salary cap for retired public employees returning to work was increased to help address workforce shortages
• Delay on the zero-emission bus mandate, allowing more time for rural communities to prepare
• Additional community college workforce funding for high-demand fields like nursing and advanced manufacturing
• A $50 million increase for local road and highway maintenance
• Middle-class tax cuts
• Enhanced child tax credit
• Hire-a-Vet Tax Credit to support businesses that hire veterans

Gray also noted continued support for:

• Volunteer fire departments: $25 million allocated for equipment and infrastructure
• Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority
• Community Initiatives like NY PLAYS, SWIMS and RUSH (Redevelopment of Underutilized Sites for Housing), including funding set aside to redevelop the former Watertown Correctional Facility
• County infrastructure and FAST NY grants: $150 million in site development funding to prepare for regional growth opportunities like Micron
• Center of Excellence funding, including Clarkson
• $10 million for dairy processing expansion, supporting local agriculture and economic development.

“This budget made some key investments in our region,” Gray said. “But we’re also keeping a close eye on concerning legislation that could affect affordability.”

Gray raised concerns about legislation that would require gas and electric utilities to return any earnings above their authorized rate of return to customers as a credit. While the bill appears to offer short-term savings, Gray warned it will have unintended long-term consequences by increasing rates.

“This kind of legislation discourages efficient operations, increases financing costs and ultimately raises your utility rates. Short-term patches such a this will not make utilities more affordable down the line.”

“Look out for next week’s episode of The Gray Area as we continue to update you on what you care about. We always appreciate the opportunity to serve you and to work with you. Don’t hesitate to call my office staff with questions, comments or concerns—see you soon,” Gray concluded.