Common Cause/NY, Citizens Union, NYPIRG, League of Women Voters urge NYS lawmakers to prioritize fiscal needs amid COVID-19 breakout

NEW YORK, NY — In response to news that New York State lawmakers may pass the budget as early as this week, good government groups including Common Cause/NY, the League of Women Voters NYS, NYPIRG, Citizens Union and Reinvent Albany released the following statement:

“We applaud Governor Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Heastie for taking clear action to address the COVID-19 emergency by prioritizing the state budget. We are all agreed on a unified and focused fiscal response to the health crisis facing our state, providing the necessary funds as part of the budget so that all levels of government can respond aggressively to the public health threat presented by COVID-19. Lawmakers must remain focused on that goal alone, and not try to cram through unrelated policy issues as part of the budget. With all of the confusion and uncertainty around COVID-19, sunshine and clarity in areas we have control over is more vital than ever. Let’s send a strong message to all New Yorkers that their leaders are working without distraction to meet the challenges of the current health crisis.”