“The Governor’s idea of tackling affordability is more government spending, more government programs and more government control. Since the governor has been in office, the state budget has increased by over $51 billion or 25%.

We all can find items and initiatives we support when spending $260 billion but the fundamental question is if increased government spending puts more money in the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers—and we know it doesn't. At a time when families are struggling with the rising cost of housing, energy and everyday necessities, this budget leans further into big-government spending with no clear explanation of how New Yorkers are expected to pay for it.

We also need to address the sustainability of this proposed spending plan with $27 billion in projected budget gaps over the next three years. There was little focus on increased investments in core infrastructure like roads, bridges and local systems and no plan to deliver immediate relief from back-breaking utility bills. New Yorkers don’t need more spending without results—they need fiscal discipline, real priorities and a budget that puts affordability first.”