Opinion: New York State's budget director defends Gov. Cuomo's plans

Despite political chaos in Washington, government must still function. States in particular must step up and make progress. For example, the federal government has increased New Yorkers’ burden by capping the deductibility of state and local taxes, and has reduced housing and social services funding. In response, the state has redoubled its efforts to cut taxes and pass laws that ensure social progress for all.