Cuomo Unveils $141 Billion Budget, Lawmakers React [VIDEO]

In a combined "State of the State" and Budget Message, Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed controversial reforms in Education and Criminal Justice.

Cuomo wants to institute better teacher evaluations and make Grand Jury procedures more transparent and accountable.

In his $141 billion-dollar budget, spending is essentially flat, except for an increase in education aid.

Other proposals include economic development for upstate, and a re-imagining of downstate airports.

Watch the video of Cuomo's speech below:

Senator Joseph Griffo says Cuomo's proposed budget respects the spending cap, while offering tax relief to property owners and incentives for businesses to expand and add jobs.

Griffo says he shares those priorities, so it's helpful the governor has started the negotiations off at this point.

He says he was disappointed to hear little from the governor about mandate relief.

Griffo says his goal is to help deliver a fifth consecutive on-time budget.

Asemblyman Anthony Brindisi says the governor laid out his blueprint for the future of New York State in an ambitious proposal that will help the Mohawk Valley continue moving forward by addressing high property taxes on our overburdened residents and investing in our infrastructure.

Brindisi says as legislators embark on the budget process, he's committed and eager to work with the governor and his colleagues to ensure the priorities of Mohawk Valley families and businesses are represented.

Meanwhile, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says the governor has put forth an ambitious agenda to move the state forward, while renewing his commitment to hold the line on spending.

DiNapoli says in the coming weeks, his office will thoroughly review the Executive Budget, examine the long-term impact of Cuomo's proposals and provide a detailed analysis.