NORWICH – New York State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Darrel Aubertine was in Norwich Thursday to present Governor Andrew Cuomo’s executive budget for the 2013-2014 fiscal year.

Several business, non-profit and local government officials attended the conference held at the Northeast Classic Car Museum on Rexford Street to hear what the proposed budget entails and how it might directly impact Chenango County. The executive budget addresses statewide concerns including the closing of a $1.3 billion budget gap that was originally projected to surpass $17 billion prior to the last two budgets.

“The goal is to maintain that progression,” said Aubertine, pointing to core elements of the budget to attract jobs and spur economic growth, continue fiscal integrity, and modify the education system to prepare the next generation for the future by increasing education aid by $889 million. “We are trying to help everyone understand the potential impact of this budget,” he added. “We can get things done in a way that expedites what we have done in the past.”

The budget also highlights an incentive increase for renewable energy resources, third round funding for the ten Regional Economic Development Councils in the state, a 2 percent tax cap for the third consecutive year, pension reform, and utilization of available state resources such as state universities to enhance economic growth. “One big thing we have going for us is the SUNY and CUNY system to help grow jobs and train people for future jobs,” said Aubertine.