Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) today highlighted the urgent need for legislative and community action to address the high cost of living in New York state.

According to the report, a family of four with two working adults taking care of two children in New York requires an annual income of $139,000 to maintain a comfortable standard of living. This figure is based on the cost of necessities such as housing and utilities, combined with discretionary spending and savings, as calculated by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Living Wage Calculator. With only one parent working, an annual income of $96,665 is required. Since $96,665 is a significant amount for a single income, it often necessitates both parents working. When both parents work, each needs to earn about $69,500 to collectively meet the $139,000 needed to support the family.

“New Yorkers are struggling under the weight of skyrocketing living costs,” said Gray. “The data is clear: it is becoming increasingly difficult for individuals to afford even the basics, let alone save for the future. We must take decisive action to address this crisis.”

The report underscores that to live comfortably in the top five most expensive states, where New York has the dubious distinction of being fourth highest, individuals need to earn nearly double the median income for single, full-time workers in the U.S., which stands at approximately $60,000. This alarming disparity highlights the financial pressures faced by New Yorkers and the need for comprehensive solutions.

Gray outlined several key areas for intervention:

• Affordable, quality housing, which requires new construction, rehabilitation and in-fill
• Utility cost management specifically addressing the unrealistic timeline for the implementation of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act
• Food security: simply said, “No Farms, No Food”; support agriculture and our processors and avoid costly, burdensome regulations and mandates.

“We cannot afford to ignore the financial realities facing our constituents. It’s time for a reexamination of policies that will make New York a place where everyone can thrive, not just those at the top,” added Gray.

Gray is committed to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the Legislature, community leaders and stakeholders to develop and implement these critical measures. The goal is to create an economic environment where all New Yorkers have the opportunity to live comfortably and securely.