By Hank Russell
Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) announced the Assembly Minority Conference Joint Budget Conference Committee appointments for fiscal year 2026-2027. Some of these committee appointees represent the Long Island area.
Ra has been appointed to the General Conference Committee. Doug Smith (R-Holbrook) was named to the Education Committee. Joining the Mental Hygiene Committee is Jodi Giglio (R-Riverhead).
Also named as alternates were Jake Blumencranz (R-Hicksville) to the Health Committee, Ari Brown (R-Cedarhurst) to the General Government/Local Assistance Committee and Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park) to the Transportation Committee.
“As the April 1 budget deadline nears, the formation of Joint Budget Conference Committees marks the start of serious negotiations,” Ra said. “The fiscal priorities and wish lists have been presented by both the Assembly and Senate Majorities.”
Ra said the Democrats’ one-house budget plans “signaled more of the same troubling tax-and-spend habits that have made our state’s economic climate so difficult. This path is unsustainable.”
“Our Conference recognizes the significant financial pressures on New York families, and we believe this year’s budget must prioritize fiscal discipline over higher taxes and additional mandates,” Ra said.