"The budget that was enacted fails to address the deeper issues that are plaguing our City and State. It is disappointing that initiatives like the DREAM Act and raising the minimum wage were not even addressed. The ethics package that exists in the budget is a small start, but does not do enough to address the rampant corruption and restore public trust in Albany. We as a Democratic Conference were not invited to take our rightful seat at the table during these budget negotiations and because of it, the voices of many New Yorkers were not heard. I am deeply saddened by what could, and should have been, but I remain committed to continue fighting for the issues that are so important to our communities."