The Peru Gazette

            “While the Executive Budget Proposal is a daunting number, the Governor included important funding that will benefit the North Country. This is very early in the State Budget process as the Executive was just proposed and we will be working through the legislative process in the next several weeks. A $100 million increase to CHIPS aid will help our local governments maintain and repair roads, which is needed across the region. $100 million for the construction of new childcare facilities will also be instrumental in addressing the needs of childcare deserts like the North Country. While a nearly $10 million increase to the volunteer fire department capital fund will also provide local fire departments with the opportunity to make necessary improvements. Our fire departments in the North Country are in need of more equipment and capital upgrades, and I will fight for more funding for them. Over the next few weeks, I will also continue to push for important funding for agriculture, seniors, school districts, and local governments that I have secured previously in the final budgets.”