My frustration reached a boiling point today after budget negotiations broke down once again and the state legislature was sent home. Twenty-six of my colleagues and I entered the Executive Chamber, demanding to see the governor and refusing to leave until we were able to meet with him. I had the chance to make a personal appeal to Governor Paterson and express my despair for the lack of funding for roads, bridges and capital projects in my district. Hundreds of people are out of work and many have lost their health insurance as a result. We are hopeful that this dialogue will result in some much needed progress towards a final budget agreement.