Some Rochester-area organizations are offering their opinion on the new state budget that won legislative approval in the early morning hours Wednesday.
The head of a local pro-business group is pleased with what the spending plan means for the area employers.
Unshackle Upstate executive director Greg Biryla is grateful for the one and a half billion dollars targeted for economic development.
"Obviously, more was sought, but we're not going to argue about the governor continuing to pay attention to unique Upstate economic development needs.” Biryla said. “We support that program and we look forward to the different plans coming out of the regional competitions.
Biryla also praised a ten-year extension of the Brownfield Cleanup Program.
He says he wished the spending plan also contained substantial tax relief for small businesses and a permanent property tax cap.
Colin O'Malley, organizing director at Metro Justice, is disappointed that a minimum wage increase didn't make it into this budget.
"I hope it'll be back on the table this session. Thousands of low wage workers across New York have been fighting consistently for higher wages and have made it clear that it's their answer to poverty."
O'Malley also expressed disappointment that the Dream Act- which would provide college aid to children of undocumented immigrants - was defeated once again.
