Michaelle C. Solages

1. Is New York State on the right track, or is it headed in the wrong direction?

Right track

Wrong direction

Don’t know/No opinion

2. Which do you think are the most important issues that the Governor and Legislature should be working on now? (Select up to 5):

Healthcare

Expanding access to affordable healthcare

Addressing the mental health crisis

Lowering prescription drug costs

Improving maternal health outcomes

Enhancing Medicaid services (e.g. doula care, telehealth)

Housing and Property Taxes

Increasing affordable housing options

Implementing rent stabilization measures

Expanding senior property tax relief programs

Public Safety

Strengthening gun control laws

Reforming bail and pretrial detention practices

Supporting community-based violence prevention programs

Expanding mental health crisis intervention teams

Education

Investing in early childhood education

Reducing class sizes

Expanding vocational and technical training programs

Enhancing school safety measures

Increasing funding for public schools

Economic Development

Supporting small businesses

Creating job training programs for green industries

Expanding tax incentives for local businesses

Investing in infrastructure projects

Addressing wage inequality

Addressing wage theft

Climate and Environment

Expanding renewable energy projects

Improving public transportation options

Addressing flooding and storm resilience

Protecting natural resources and green spaces

Reducing carbon emissions statewide

Social Justice and Civil Rights

Ensuring equal access to reproductive healthcare

Supporting LGBTQ+ rights and protections

Addressing systemic racial inequalities

Strengthening voting rights protections

Reforming the criminal justice system

Immigration

Providing resources to support asylum seekers

Expanding language access services

Creating pathways for immigrant workforce integration

Increasing legal aid for immigration cases

Taxes and Budget

Implementing a wealth tax for high-net-worth individuals

Providing property tax relief

Reducing income tax rates for middle-class families

Ensuring accountability in state spending

Transportation and Infrastructure

Expanding and modernizing public transit systems

Improving road and bridge conditions

Supporting electric vehicle infrastructure

Advocating for congestion pricing in high-traffic areas

3. Would you like to explain why these issues are important to you?

4. What do you think are the most pressing issues that the New York State Legislature should address in the 2025 legislative session?

4a. A new legislative session welcomes the opportunity to introduce new legislation. If you could propose a new law or modify an existing law, what would you recommend?

5. New York State’s Medicaid program continues to grow, expanding coverage to include more services and recipients. Do you support allocating additional state funds to expand Medicaid benefits, even if it could result in higher taxes or reallocation of other budget priorities?

Yes, Medicaid expansion is essential

No, Medicaid should be limited to current funding

Unsure

6. New York State has implemented reforms to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), including changes to eligibility requirements, the number of authorized Fiscal Intermediaries (FIs), and reimbursement rates. These reforms aim to control costs and improve oversight, but some recipients and caregivers have expressed concerns.

Which of the following statements best reflects your view on the CDPAP reforms?

The state should reverse some reforms to expand access and flexibility for caregivers and recipients.

The state should maintain the current reforms to balance program costs and oversight.

The state should introduce new changes to improve access while addressing cost concerns.

I am unsure about the impact of the reforms.

7. New York State taxes health insurance companies and uses those funds to partially fund Medicaid and other state programs. These costs are often passed on to New Yorkers in the form of higher insurance premiums. Do you support or oppose New York State using health insurance tax dollars to fund Medicaid and other state programs?

Strongly support

Somewhat support

Somewhat oppose

Strongly oppose

Unsure or need more information

8. Proposed economic policies regarding tariffs, immigration, and healthcare could lead to higher prices and a reduced labor supply, impacting New York State’s economy. Additional tax cuts may offset price increases but are likely to benefit higher-income earners. Changes to regulatory policies may benefit corporations and high-income filers while increasing state tax revenues in the short term.

How should New York State respond to these potential impacts (Select up to 2)

Develop state-level tax policies to address benefits disproportionately favoring high-income earners

Increase support for industries and workers most affected by higher prices and reduced labor supply

Use short-term state tax revenue growth to invest in public services

Focus on creating policies to reduce the cost burden on low- and middle-income families

Take no action and allow market forces to adjust to federal economic policies

Unsure

9. SALT Deduction Cap Expiration: The federal cap on State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions, enacted as part of the federal 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, is set to expire in 2025. Unless Congress acts to extend or modify it, taxpayers will once again be able to deduct all state and local taxes on their federal tax returns. Removing the cap would particularly benefit high-income earners and could improve New York’s competitiveness with other states by narrowing the tax differential.

Do you support the expiration of the SALT deduction cap in 2025, which would allow full deductions of state and local taxes for federal taxpayers?

Yes, it will help reduce the tax burden on New Yorkers and improve economic competitiveness

No, the cap should be extended to avoid disproportionate benefits for high-income earners and maintain federal revenue

Unsure

10. New York State’s Rainy Day Fund has grown to nearly $20 billion under the governor’s leadership, significantly improving the state’s ability to handle economic downturns. However, experts suggest that $28 billion is needed to sustain two years of revenue losses and spending growth during a recession. Additionally, some of the reserves remain in unprotected accounts, raising concerns about their accessibility in a true economic crisis.

What should New York State prioritize regarding the Rainy Day Fund?

Increase the fund to $28 billion to ensure sufficient reserves for future economic downturns

Pass laws requiring mandatory deposits and protections for the full balance to prevent misuse

Use current reserves to address immediate fiscal stress and pressing budgetary needs

Maintain the current balance without further increases or policy changes

Unsure

11. New York State currently provides school aid to the wealthiest districts that already fund a sound basic education through local tax dollars before receiving state funding. With the full phase-in of Foundation Aid now complete, there is an opportunity to better allocate future education funding based on district needs.

How should New York State allocate education funding in future years?

Prioritize targeting school aid based on district need to ensure equitable distribution of funds

Maintain the current school aid formula, even if it benefits wealthier districts

Make no changes to current school aid

Unsure

12. New York State law sets a statutory limit of 4% for unassigned school district reserve funds, meaning districts are generally required to keep no more than 4% of their annual budget in reserves. However, some districts have accumulated reserves far exceeding this limit, raising questions about whether these funds are being effectively managed or could be used to address immediate educational needs.

What do you think should be done about school district reserve funds that exceed the 4% statutory limit?

Require districts to use excess reserves to address current educational needs, such as reducing class sizes or upgrading facilities

Increase oversight to ensure districts comply with the 4% statutory requirement

Allow districts to exceed the 4% limit if they provide a clear plan for how the funds will be used

Keep the current rules in place without stricter enforcement or changes

I am unsure or need more information on this issue

13. How much more would you be willing to pay on your monthly energy bill for cleaner energy?

Nothing

More than nothing but no more than $10 per month

More than $10 but no more than $20 per month

More than $20 but no more than $40 per month

More than $40 but no more than $75 per month

More than $75 but no more than $100 per month

More than $100 but no more than $200 per month

More than $200 per month

Don’t know/No opinion

14. The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is moving forward with a $70 million modernization of the Nassau County section of the Long Island Sound Cable (Y-49). The underground transmission line transverses Westchester County, the Long Island Sound and Nassau County, carrying up to 600 megawatts of electricity to Long Island. The project is the first in a series of investments in the region meant to be a part of the Power Authority’s long-term plan to provide reliable, clean power as part of NYPA’s VISION2030.

14a.

Do you support NYPA’s investment in modernizing the Long Island Sound Cable as part of its long-term plan to provide reliable and clean energy to Long Island?

Yes, I support the modernization project to enhance energy reliability and sustainability

No, I do not support the project due to concerns about cost or other impacts

I am undecided or need more information to form an opinion

14b.

Would you have any objections if the modernization project impacted neighboring communities near your own?

No, I support the project. I believe the benefits of improved energy reliability and clean power for the region outweigh any temporary disruptions in neighboring areas

Yes, I have concerns about the project’s impact on neighboring communities. I am worried about issues such as noise, increased traffic, environmental disruptions, or other potential impacts on nearby areas

I am undecided or need more information

15. New York State ranks 49th in the Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index, contributing to a reputation as a business-unfriendly state. Higher taxes on businesses and capital owners can lead to increased prices for consumers, impacting affordability for all residents.

Which specific policies should New York State prioritize to improve its business climate and economic competitiveness? (Select up to 2)

Lower the corporate income tax rate for small and mid-sized businesses

Eliminate the capital gains tax surcharge to attract more investment

Expand tax credits for businesses that create local jobs

Reduce property taxes on commercial properties to lower operational costs

Increase investment in infrastructure to support business growth

Maintain current tax and regulatory policies to sustain state revenues

Unsure

16. New York State is set to implement a congestion pricing plan starting January 5, 2024, which will charge passenger vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street a toll of $9 during peak hours. This initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion and generate funds for public transit improvements.

Do you support the upcoming congestion pricing plan for Manhattan?

Yes, I support the plan to reduce congestion and fund transit improvements

No, I do not support the plan due to concerns about its impact on commuters and businesses

I am undecided or need more information to form an opinion

17. Are there issues with local infrastructure (roads, bridges, potholes, etc.) that need to be improved? If so, where?

18. For Elmont residents: What amenities would you like the future community center, which is part of the deal with developers to build UBS Arena, to include? (choose your top three):

Community meeting space123456

Gym/workout equipment123456

Media space with computers123456

Workshops for career development123456

Game room for teens123456

Play area for children123456

19. For Valley Stream and North Woodmere residents: Your area is mostly served by Liberty New York Water as your water utility. There is a process underway to potentially transfer water utility ownership to a public authority to lower costs for ratepayers. If you are a Liberty New York Water customer, do you support transitioning the water utility to a public water authority?

Yes

No

20. How do you prefer to receive updates and information from our office? (Select all that apply.)

Email

Social media

Phone calls

Postal mail

In-person town hall meetings

Other

If you selected “social media” or “other,” please specify:

21. Do you have any additional thoughts or comments?

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Assemblywoman

Assembly District 22

2025 Constituent Survey