Barbara Fiala Discusses Governor’s Budget Proposal in Binghamton Yesterday.

Former Broome County Executive Barbara Fiala was the guest speaker today at the Binghamton Rotary Club #64  luncheon meeting  at the Terra Cotta, 81 State Street in Binghamton.  Fiala was named the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in February, 2011.

Mrs. Fiala's speech centered on the Governor's New York State budget proposal.  Under Cuomo's proposal New York would look to develop ten incubator hot-spots to boost the economy around the state. Noting statistics that show that Upstate job growth trails the rest of the state and much of the nation the plan would include other means of economic development including developing three additional casinos in the Upsate region with revenue generated going to fund education spending and ease local tax burdens.

In addition the Governor seeks to promote a solar job growth program and invest in an electric car network statewide to help cut energy expenses.  The proposal also looks for an increase in the state's minimum wage to $8.75 per hour.

Her message also indicated the hope that major discussion on the budget will wrap-up by the end of this week and then be voted on shortly thereafter.