New York's Budget to Protect Community Investments

By Blake Jackson

New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey is advocating for increased state support to counteract potential federal cuts affecting the Hudson Valley. Hinchey focus is on protecting local services and securing state funding for community investments.

“At a time when Washington is contemplating devastating cuts to the services we rely on, my priority is protecting the Hudson Valley and bringing dollars back home. Our Senate one-house proposal lays out a clear vision for a New York that fights to better people’s lives, and I’m proud that it includes many of the community investments I’m championing for our district," Hinchey stated.

A key initiative is the push to make New York a Universal School Meals state, coupled with an expansion of the farm-to-school program. "We’re also on the verge of making New York a Universal School Meals state and finally gaining traction to expand the farm-to-school program to include all meals in school something we’ve been fighting for for years," Hinchey explained. She highlighted the importance of connecting local farms with school cafeterias, ensuring all students have access to healthy, locally grown food.

Hinchey also criticized federal cuts to programs that support farmers and school food access. "While the federal government pulls the rug out from under farmers and guts their key markets, we’re working to bolster New York’s farm economy by building stronger local markets and connecting the dots between farmer and consumer," Hinchey said.

"Our final state budget has to reflect our values with absolute clarity on how New York will lead in this moment. I will fight in every way possible to protect these programs, and so many others, at the state level," Hinchey said.

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