State assemblymembers Chris Tague and Brian Maher on Thursday announced their budget committee assignments for the new legislative session.
Tague, R-Schoharie, has been appointed to the Assembly Budget Committee on Agriculture, Environment and Housing, “where he will work to ensure state spending on these three policy areas is effective and mindful,” a news release from his office stated.
“It’s an incredible honor to be appointed to this committee. Those who know me know how much passion and support I like to show our state’s agricultural workers, and I’m thrilled to be going to bat on their behalf in the Assembly budget negotiations,” Tague said.
Tague also said financial considerations for the environment and housing issues, both of which have dominated New York’s policy debates, are important.
“Environmental work is incredibly important, and while I’m always open to new initiatives, we have entered an era where we have to be practical about how we spend on these initiatives,” he said. “The same goes for housing proposals, which are continually caught up in energy and environmental regulations set forth by the state. I look forward to having pragmatic and responsible conversations on state spending with my Assembly colleagues on these issues in committee and many more on the entirety of the budget when the time comes for debate.”
Maher, R-Walden, has been appointed to the Human Services Budget Committee, according to a news release from his office. “In this role, Maher will be a key voice in shaping the state’s budget for critical social services, including programs for seniors, families and individuals with disabilities,” the release stated.
“I am honored to take on this important role and to work with my colleagues on bipartisan solutions for the people of New York,” Maher said. “The decisions we make here impact some of the most vulnerable people in our state. I’m committed to making sure the budget reflects the real needs of families and communities while ensuring that resources are used efficiently and effectively.”