North Country Assemblyman Billy Jones, D-Chateaugay, said Governor Andrew Cuomo’s budget message was lacking when it came to economic development plans for the North Country, but he was encouraged by some aspects of the plan.

Jones, who begins his second term in the Assembly this month, represents the 115th Assembly District, which includes the eastern St. Lawrence County towns of Brasher, Lawrence, Hopkinton and Piercefield plus Franklin and Clinton counties.

While the governor’s speech included several initiatives that directly affect North Country communities, it “seemed to include few specific economic development initiatives to help our local economy,” Jones said in a prepared statement Tuesday. “Our families deserve better, and I’ll work to ensure the North Country gets its fair share.”

Jones said the governor “advanced a number of ideas and investments. I look forward to learning more about these proposals in the coming months,” he said.

“Here in the North Country, many still struggle to not only have basic internet services, but are even faced with the inability to place a cellular call. I’ll make sure to hold the governor to his word and work to expedite these long-delayed projects. Our families and businesses need these services now.”

He also was pleased to hear the governor’s commitment to health care in the state.

“The governor also pledged to ensure access to affordable health care. I’ll keep fighting to ensure that the unique needs and challenges of rural health care are addressed as we work to make this a reality.

“The proposal also included a commitment to increase education funding as well as reduce the tax burden on our hardworking families, and I will be a strong voice in the legislature to ensure these provisions are upheld to benefit the residents of the North Country.”