"Gov. Hochul’s $260 billion executive budget proposal continues the disturbing, and failing, pattern of reckless spending in New York. The state budget has increased by $81 billion over the last five years with no signs of slowing down. Not only is this growth unsustainable, but it clearly demonstrates that bigger budgets do not translate into a lower cost of living.

Despite a stated intention to address affordability, the executive budget is sorely lacking comprehensive measures that offer tangible relief to all. The Division of the Budget identified $17 billion in additional revenue than originally estimated. Where is the direct relief for all New Yorkers? That money should be given back to taxpayers already burdened by high taxes, soaring energy costs and making ends meet in one of the least-affordable states in the nation.

The governor highlighted measures long championed by Assembly Minority members–no tax on tips, lowering child care expenses, reassessing red tape and over-regulation. But there are few meaningful steps toward addressing affordability or responsible fiscal restraint.

It’s important to keep in mind that the executive budget represents the low end of budget negotiations. In the previous two election-year budgets, 2022 and 2024, the enacted spending number jumped by roughly $6 billion. When legislative majorities weigh in, this will go even higher. If a bloated $260 billion proposal is the floor, our state budget is about to cave in under its own weight."