The governor announced a ‘general agreement’ on a $268 billion state budget, an eye-popping $14 billion increase over last year. Immediately after, the Assembly Speaker announced there is no deal. Despite the conflicting messages, the reality is this: there are no budget bills, no financial plan, and not a single tangible piece of what’s required to finish this process.

Two things are certain: Albany is completely dysfunctional, and spending is going up yet again. Lawmaker’s refusal to rein in out-of-control spending habits is driving an affordability crisis that is leading millions of New Yorkers to question whether to call this state home anymore. Without greater fiscal restraint and responsible spending practices, New York is hurdling toward an unsustainable economic future.”