Cuomo names new budget director, chief of staff

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Gov. Andrew Cuomo has chosen the top staff member of the state Senate’s majority Republicans to be his new budget director.

The governor, a Democrat, has appointed Robert Mujica (moo-HEE-cuh) to head the state’s Budget Division.

Mujica has been chief of staff to the Senate majority leader and secretary to the Senate Finance Committee that examines and develops tax policy proposals.

He replaces Mary Beth Labate, who is joining State University of New York as a senior policy and program advisor.

Cuomo has also named his communications director Melissa DeRosa to be his chief of staff.