Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) voted today to extend emergency spending for veterans’ services and other key departments as the Legislature and governor remain at an impasse in finalizing the state budget. Maher took the time this week to meet with local department of transportation (DOT) employees as negotiations continue toward the finalized state budget to hear their concerns on the lack of funding for local roads, bridges and infrastructure.

Maher is advocating for an additional $100 million to be included in the final budget to help repair many of the damaged roads in the Hudson Valley. In addition, he is fighting for an additional $250 million to be added to the 2025-26 budget for Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) funding, which includes critical funding for county and local infrastructure, roads, bridges and highways.

“Our roads are in the worst shape they have ever been in,” said Maher. “In the Hudson Valley, region eight is the most underfunded in the state of New York. I’m taking time to talk to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to try to encourage them to add an additional $100 million for the Hudson Valley region before the budget is finally adopted. The status quo is unacceptable, and we have to continue advocating for the appropriate amount of funding for the DOT as the budget process continues. Potholes are creating an unprecedented amount of damage to a record number of vehicles, and I fear that without immediate action and appropriate funding, the ongoing neglect of our state roads could cost New Yorkers their lives.”

“I have a form and want those in my district to report to us the damage to your vehicles and also the potholes you’re seeing. I want to do what I can to get the DOT the information it needs to really prioritize the largest potholes that need to be fixed immediately. The governor last year said she was going to fund potholes. She said, “We’re going to make sure that there’s not holes instead of potholes.” Well, there are a lot more potholes, and while what the governor said last year may have rhymed, her words did not age well.The people of New York and the Hudson Valley deserve better.”

Maher is co-sponsoring a proposal that would hold the state liable for damages year-round to compensate drivers for the damage done to their vehicles. As of now, New York is only liable for damages caused by the state on its roadways and only during the warmer summer months.

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