GREENE – Only hours after the New York State Senate passed a budget resolution early Friday morning, State Senator Tom Libous addressed the concerns of business leaders and local taxpayers at a Commerce Chenango luncheon held in Greene.

Libous was on hand to discuss matters affecting local businesses, schools and property taxes at the event held at the Sherwood Hotel. According to Libous, the state legislature is on track to having another early budget this year, making it the fourth consecutive budget passed on time.

Said Libous, “We want to get an early, on time budget.”

To date, Libous said both houses and the Governor have their own version of a property tax freeze to be implemented in this year's budget, and talks are in the works to get everyone in agreement. The Senate's budget resolution focuses heavily on creating new jobs, increasing investment in education and continued funding to women's health programs and programs for the mentally disabled.