“New York is facing a detrimental affordability crisis and Gov. Hochul’s budget proposal promised major investments in education, healthcare and infrastructure. I look forward to learning more about her plans for relief for New Yorkers paying the highest property taxes in the country. With skyrocketing inflation on every day goods, it is imperative that we find ways to put money back in the pockets of middle class New Yorkers.

“Nevertheless, with a baseline spending number as high as $216 billion we must ensure we are planning for future budgets and responsibly spending the remaining federal COVID dollars. While those resources present a unique opportunity to aid in New York’s recovery, we cannot commit to recurring spending that will grow our budget in future years and result in potential deficits. As we now begin the budget process, our government needs to address and come up with tangible solutions to fix the issues our residents are facing today.”