I n the beginning of January, Gov. Cuomo proposed his 2012-13 budget, which included many initiatives to revitalize our state, attract new businesses and create thousands of jobs for our hardworking families. Also included in the proposed budget is an investment of $15 billion to go toward infrastructure projects and new economic activity. As I work during the next several months to help pass an on-time budget, I will be focused on re-establishing economic growth in Western New York.

One of the highlights of the governor’s proposal is a multiyear, $1 billion development package for Buffalo. This proposal will provide $75 million for the Buffalo Regional Innovation Cluster with the goal of working toward bringing in $5 billion in new activity to the region. This funding will give the area a needed boost to train our workers for new jobs, improve Buffalo’s infrastructure and encourage private sector reinvestment. Countless employment opportunities will be created for our hardworking families as new businesses set up shop in our community.

Gov. Cuomo also proposed $110 million for the SUNY 2020 Challenge Grant Program. Our area kick-started this statewide program with UB2020, and we will continue to see economic development and job creation from the increased funding. Greater collaboration between business centers and the University at Buffalo means more local projects stimulating the economy right here. The budget proposal also contains funds to expand the Roswell Park Cancer Institute and move forward with the long-awaited Peace Bridge redesign.

Our region is on the verge of seeing a new direction for the economy and job growth in Western New York across a number of different sectors.

As many of you know, the Buffalo Bills’ lease is expiring in 2013. They’ve helped put our region on the map. I will fight to make sure the Bills stay in Buffalo.

The executive budget proposal helps with the fight by including millions of dollars to keep our football team at home. And I’ll do all I can to ensure that stays in the final budget.

The governor’s focus is clear, and his budget proposal includes a viable plan to spur investment and economic activity in our region that will create thousands of new jobs for our hardworking families.

At the same time, it reaches the daunting task of closing a $2 billion budget gap. This will be achieved without any tricks, gimmicks, borrowing, new taxes or fees, and the burden won’t be shifted to local government, our hardworking families or local schools.

Last year we passed an on-time budget and brought numerous restorative programs to the state. This year, I’ll work hard to ensure that Western New York sees even better results.