“Despite a substantial amount of money coming to the state from the federal government, the Assembly one-house budget proposes six new taxes and tax increases on New Yorkers. The Majority has blown through the 2% spending cap imposed by the governor, and instead State Operating Funds increased by 10.9%, leading to the highest proposed spending plan throughout my time in Albany.

When presented with an unprecedented federal stimulus package and better revenue news than we could’ve expected, our state has an opportunity to spend responsibly on critical programs that desperately need assistance as we continue to recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, members of the Majority have made an untenable wish list that further perpetuates the financial burdens faced by local governments, families and business owners.

New York state is well regarded in areas like access to capital, technology and innovation and education, but is dragged down by the high cost of living and a burdensome business climate. The type of proposal that we debated today further incentivizes businesses, business owners and residents to join the 1.4 million New Yorkers who have left the Empire State since 2010.

While several important proposals from the governor’s proposal were either rejected or necessary funding for programs such as OPWDD, the Joseph P. Dwyer Program, Library Aid and Aid and Incentives for Municipalities were restored and increased, I find myself once again wondering, how much will ever be enough for the Majority?”