Jacobson announces major budget victories

Posted 3/22/23

Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-104) is announcing three major one-house budget victories after leading the fight for the inclusion of $50 million for the Department of Health’s Lead …

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Jacobson announces major budget victories

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Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-104) is announcing three major one-house budget victories after leading the fight for the inclusion of $50 million for the Department of Health’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program, increased aid to the Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), and $10 million for County Boards of Elections to buy new, up-to-date voting machines and scanners.

“Replacing a single lead-contaminated water line is expensive. On average, it costs $10,000 to $12,000 per household to replace the pipes. The Lead Service Line Replacement Program gives a homeowner a credit of $10,000 to do so. This will help those who could not otherwise afford to replace lead-contaminated pipes to protect themselves and their families from drinking water contaminated by lead. This program is available to all residents regardless of income,” Jacobson said.

“For me, “workforce development” are more than just buzzwords. To reboot New York’s economy, we need to get people working, but there continues to be a disconnect between the training we’re providing and the jobs that need filling. Our BOCES are doing a great job providing relevant Career and Technical training. The additional State aid increases the reimbursement rate for instructors—a rate that has not been increased in more than thirty years. It’s time for the State to put its money where its mouth is, because New York’s workers are New York’s future, Jacobson continued.

“Last but not least, New York has done an incredible job making it easier for people to register and cast their vote. But these reforms can’t be successful if we don’t adequately fund the bodies that run them. Funding our Boards of Election is a necessary investment in a healthy democracy,” Jacobson said.

Last month, Jacobson organized three sign-on letters to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, advocating that funding for these items be included in the upcoming New York State budget. More than thirty other Assemblymembers signed on to the letters.

“I believe in the power of government to protect and improve people’s lives. I fought for these three items because I know each and every one will make a significant and positive impact for my constituents and the residents of New York,” Jacobson concluded.