Statement from Senator Anthony Palumbo in Response to Gov. Hochul’s State of the State Address

        Senator Anthony Palumbo (R,C-New Suffolk) today issued the following statement in response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State address:

            The Governor's State of the State address was a welcomed change from the PowerPoint slides and oversized podiums of the previous administration. Her speech and its location were clearly meant to show a break from the past and a new leadership approach to meet New York’s myriad challenges.  While there were many positive proposals in the Governor’s address, my concern is that few, if any, will create the systemic change needed to meet today’s challenges faced by my constituents in the First Senate District.

            Full of language of promise and hope her address was well delivered--but it is not something we haven't heard before. The hard fact is, New York State continues to lead the nation in out-migration. The cost of homes and property taxes in our region continue to rise. State and fuel taxes are up. The crime rate continues to grow and families I represent do not feel safe. Our electric rates are some of the highest in the country.  The economy has been further crippled by the pandemic and our hospitals and nursing homes are struggling. With record levels of state and federal spending, our region of the state is simply not seeing its fair share of funding allowing our economy to recover.

            One-party rule in Albany over the past two years has led to an imbalance in state policies.  New York City-centric laws and regulations don’t work here on Long Island and in other suburbs across the state. The Governor and Legislative leaders continue to siphon tax dollars away from the suburbs to pay for the problems of the City. If things don’t significantly change, and the state’s course is not reversed, New York will continue to slide into decline.

            My challenge to the Governor and Legislative Majorities is to have the courage to revisit their unworkable and detrimental policies and right the ship of state.  I will continue to fight to reduce New York’s burdensome taxes, help residents who are struggling to afford our region of the state, put law enforcement and crime victims before criminals, end bail reform, protect our farms and farmers, and provide critical relief to small businesses.

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