NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY OFFICE OF ASSEMBLYMEMBER ARAVELLA SIMOTAS For Immediate Release February 15, 2012 Contact:

Loren Amor, 347-610-6373

Simotas Hosts Secretary of State Perales for Presentation of Governors 2012-13 Budget Plan
Perales explains Gov. Cuomos proposals to community at Museum of the Moving Image On Thursday, Assemblymember Aravella Simotas hosted New York Secretary of State Cesar Perales for a presentation of Governor Andrew Cuomos 2012-13 Executive Budget and Reform Plan at the Museum of the Moving Image. Secretary Perales detailed the Governors agenda for job creation, economic development and government reform before taking questions from the audience, which consisted of western Queens elected officials, community leaders and residents. By bringing the Governors plans to transform New York directly to its residents, we are giving them a voice in the process as we work to build a better future for our state, Secretary Perales said. I was pleased to visit western Queens and engage in a lively, informative conversation with members of this community. Making government more transparent and accessible for my constituents has been a top priority since I took office, Assemblymember Simotas said. It was an honor to welcome Secretary Perales to western Queens and give members of our community an opportunity to learn about the Governors proposals firsthand from a member of his administration. The event was part of Governor Cuomos initiative to directly inform the public of his policies by sending top administration officials to communities throughout the state. Assemblymember Simotas noted how appropriate it was to hold a presentation on economic growth at the Museum of the Moving Image. "Since its recent renovation, the Museum has drawn visitors from across the state and helped transform western Queens into a commercial and cultural hub, Simotas said. ###