“Yesterday, we passed a fiscally-responsible budget that centered on affordability, and affordability remains a priority for Assembly Democrats. That includes supporting our public workers. We need to ensure that the hard-working men and women who dedicate their careers to public service don’t pay more than they need to for their health insurance benefits.

"I fully support Speaker Coughlin’s decision to hold hearings this month on public worker health benefits, especially given that the State has brought in additional revenue and the budget surplus is now $6.7 billion, $700 million more than anticipated. The hearings that Speaker Coughlin plans to hold will enable us, as legislators, to take a close look to identify opportunities for additional savings that could potentially help offset some of the premium costs associated with state health benefit plans."