CITY OF WATERTOWN, NEW YORK

ROOM 302, WATERTOWN CITY HALL

245 WASHINGTON STREET
WATERTOWN, NEW YORK 13601-3380
(315) 785-7720
JOSEPH M. BUTLER, JR.
Mayor

PRESS RELEASE
April 2, 2016
For Immediate Release
Contact: Mayors Office

GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMOS

ON-TIME BUDGET CREATES OPPORTUNITY FOR WATERTOWN
As you know the NY State Legislature recently enacted the 2016-2017 State Budget on time
once again. As Mayor I communicate regularly with our State representatives and officials in
the Governors office to articulate some of the initiatives we would like to see enacted, as well
as express concerns over proposed measures that could potentially impact constituents. One
of the more contentious items in this years budget was a proposal to increase the States
minimum wage to $15.00 and establish family paid leave. Many small businesses and local
employers expressed concerns with these proposals. While the compromise achieved may not
have been the outcome desired by some, your voices were heard resulting in a revised plan
more sensitive to upstate communities like Watertown.
I was pleased to see tax cuts for our middle class New Yorkers and small businesses. While
more work needs to be done in this area, its good to see progress being made. The budget
also includes $166,000,000 to combat heroin and opioid addiction, $500,000 for parks and
trails, and a $100,000,000 Downtown Revitalization Initiative that was in jeopardy just a
week ago. Ten regions throughout New York will each compete for $10,000,000. We will
aggressively pursue this money and believe we have a very strong case to make here in
Watertown. As the economic hub of the North Country, such a stimulus would augment the
significant investment being made in Watertowns downtown corridor and go a long way in
helping achieve our vision for a vibrant downtown.
It is my privilege to represent the great people in Watertown. I thank you for your input on
the State Budget and welcome your comments and concerns as we move forward. Best
wishes as always.
Mayor Joseph M. Butler, Jr.,