We are beginning to be able to quantify the devastating economic impact of the coronavirus health crisis, and although the numbers may seem scary, there is much we can do to ensure New York endures and, eventually, thrives. New York State is facing a multi-billion-dollar budget deficit over the next several years, with some estimates projecting as much as a $69 billion shortfall through 2024. This presents a challenge the likes of which we have not seen, and it is one that demands fiscal discipline and community engagement; there must be full transparency and unfettered communication.

Just last week, the Public Authorities Control Board (PACB) gave the authority for the state to take on $11 billion in new debt. Although the current economic downturn makes steps like this necessary to meet obligations and keep government functional, there must be greater transparency in any budget actions moving forward. There are major budget actions coming, and likely cuts that will have significant impacts on education, health care and local governments.

In a letter to Gov. Cuomo and legislative leaders, I called for common-sense protocols to be put in place and a full public accounting of all state revenue, spending, borrowing and other budget actions be provided to the Legislature. These are uncertain times, and the best thing Albany can do is provide clarity, information and answers – especially on matters of taxpayer dollars.

We have not yet eradicated COVID-19, but New York’s health outlook is promising, as the rate the virus is spreading has slowed and efforts to contain its impact have proven effective. With increased hospital bed capacity, more data available to government officials and the public adapting new, evolved social patterns, it’s time to begin planning for a post-pandemic New York. The Assembly Minority Conference has laid the groundwork for both short- and long-term measures to right the ship. Done properly, New York will not merely survive the crisis, it will thrive on the other side of it.

The first step to overcoming the economic slowdown is a region-by-region examination of healthcare capacity and the needs of the communities impacted. Members of our Conference and I have called for a "New York Regional Restart” to immediately assess the viability of bringing parts of New York back online. Reliable, actionable data is available, and we must begin looking at ways to mitigate further, unneeded economic damage.

Gov. Cuomo’s drastic measures to lock down New York State, specifically New York City, have undoubtedly contributed to the slowing of COVID-19. However, large portions of New York look nothing like downstate. Population density and the number of those infected vary widely from region to region. Any future action must take into consideration the nuances of New York State’s varied composition.

It is my sincere hope the governor takes advantage of the many channels of communication and resources available to him, and actively listens to the concerns of local governments, legislators, regional health experts and the public. Reopening New York is not a partisan issue, and it must be done openly and in collaboration with government and community partners. This needs to be a team effort.

In the interim, individuals and small businesses need immediate help. To that end, the Conference has developed the “Small Business Emergency Recovery Act of 2020,” and the “Jump-Start New York” initiative. We have also called on the federal government to consider the enormous costs to our emergency service volunteers and farming community. With the legislative groundwork we have laid out, an infusion of federal funding and a governor willing to listen, we will be in a position to rebuild New York better than ever.