Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) joined his legislative colleagues today for a press conference in Albany to discuss New York state’s dismal tax climate and propose solutions for an economically-prosperous state. Ra stood alongside Assemblyman and State Chairman of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks), Putnam County Executive and American City County Exchange (ACCE) National Executive Board Member Kevin Byrne as well as Members of the Assembly Minority Conference.

“Simply put, New York state’s current financial climate is atrocious. We’re all feeling the effects of escalating taxes and higher prices, a combination that has many New Yorkers worried for their futures–and has been a central motive behind the out-migration trend our state is experiencing. People used to flock to New York for the immense opportunities that our state offered. Now, four out of ten voters are considering leaving.

“The ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index ranks New York 31st for economic performance and 50th for economic outlook in the country. This is worrying, and frankly shameful that our state has been ranked in last place overall since 2014. Why is that? Our characteristic inflation, uncontrolled overspending and skyrocketing taxes have solidified our current position. It’s time to put a stop to this trend and strengthen our economy by lowering taxes and lessening small business regulations. Instead of punishing New Yorkers, we need to give them job opportunities and the ability to raise their families comfortably.

“It is the job of state officials to work in the best interest of the people. Proposals from the Assembly Minority Conference would adopt a state spending cap and prohibit the back-door borrowing that accounts for more than 97% of our state’s debt. Controlling state spending and getting a handle on our debt burden would be important steps toward getting our fiscal house in order, which is why I support these solution-based tax policies that will help bring New York back to a place where people want to live, work and raise their families,” concluded Ra.