Recently, Governor Cuomo proposed his 2012-13 budget. The main focus this year is to revitalize our state, attract new businesses and create thousands of jobs for our hardworking families with a $15 billion investment in infrastructure projects and new economic activity. In the coming months, I will work to pass an on-time budget focused on re-establishing prosperity in Western New York. 

A multi-year $1 billion economic development package for Buffalo is included in the proposal. For this year, the proposal includes $75 million for the Buffalo Regional Innovation Cluster to work toward bringing $5 billion in new economic activity to Buffalo, giving the area a much-needed boost to train our workers for new jobs, improving our infrastructure and encouraging private sector re-investment. As new businesses set up shop in our region, countless opportunities for Western New York families are sure to be created. 

Winter can be one of the most difficult times of year for many people living in our
region. In Western New York, winter usually means snow, ice and freezing temperatures,
which can become a grave concern for some households. Low temperatures make home
heating important during the winter months. But many low-income families do not have
the money for the winter months rising heating costs.

This winter, heating affordability could become more pronounced, as federal
funding was reduced for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), possibly leaving
some families in Western New York with the dilemma of whether to pay for food or pay
for heating. However, there are alternative programs available to reduce energy use and
stay warm this winter for those who may not get the funding they need through HEAP.

Last week marked the end of a six-month process of fundamentally redesigning economic development and the relationship between business and government in New
York State. The Regional Economic Development Council initiative has blazed a new path to economic prosperity for Western New York. After plans from the ten regional
councils were reviewed, Western New York received one of the top grants valued at $100.3 million and was named a “best plan” awardee. The promising solutions put forth are great news for the community.