“There are a lot of people suffering in this state – too many. New York is taxing residents right out of state. One of the largest drivers of state spending is social programs like Medicaid, welfare and unemployment. These programs are extremely important in helping struggling New Yorkers, but they were always meant to serve as temporary assistance to help residents get back on their feet. Instead, we now have generations of families being raised on social programs because the state incentivizes these residents to stay on the dole rather than encouraging them to help themselves.

“The result is higher taxes, less money in your paycheck and far less money to be distributed to those who actually need it. Make no mistake, there are families who need these programs, but they are being shortchanged because of those taking advantage of the system, which in and of itself needs reform. The federal government has said it should focus on entitlement reform, and I believe it is time for New York to do the same. Let’s get our residents working, cut spending where we can and lower taxes for the middle class.”