The State of The State Depends on Affordability and Public Safety

A new legislative session is underway in Albany and members of the Senate and Assembly face a full agenda as we look to tackle the many challenges facing our state. From affordability to public safety, there is much to be done, and I was pleased to hear Governor Hochul acknowledge these issues, and others, in her recent State of the State Address. I am anxious to learn more about her ideas as the state budget process unfolds over the next couple of months. 

Making our state more affordable must be a priority and the governor’s proposal to increase the child tax credit to $1,000 per child and issue refund checks of up to $500 to households across the state will help, but we need to do more. If we are serious about lowering the financial burden families and businesses face, we must reduce the size and cost of government. Permanently cutting spending, taxes and fees is the best way to promote economic opportunity, create jobs and lower the cost of living.

I support the governor’s call to get repeat offenders off the streets, but we need more details on how she plans to do that. Misguided changes made to our criminal justice system over the past several years, such as cashless bail, undermines public safety, emboldens criminals, and disregards the rights of law-abiding citizens. Anything short of reversing these dangerous changes is unacceptable.

Initiatives to change the state’s mental health policies and involuntary commitment standards can also go a long way to improve public safety. We need to ensure that mentally ill individuals get the help they need and that resources are available across the state to provide these vital services.

I am also encouraged by proposals to better protect and recruit first responders. These men and women are our first line of defense, and we need to ensure resources are available to train and support those in harm’s way. This includes support programs for veterans and gold star families in New York. 

Finally, the governor’s ongoing commitment to the state’s costly and unattainable climate mandates continues to be a concern. Protecting our environment is important, but we must develop a more realistic, sustainable, and affordable clean energy plan. New York residents and businesses cannot afford harsh mandates associated with unachievable goals.   

As always, balancing the needs of the state with what taxpayers can afford is our greatest challenge. Public safety, quality education, the best possible health care, and safe roads and bridges are things every New Yorker deserves and expects. But these programs and services must be affordable if our state is to grow and prosper.

In the weeks ahead, I look forward to learning more details about the governor’s proposals and her budget for the fiscal year that starts April 1. I vow to work with my colleagues in the Legislature to implement policies that truly make New York safer, stronger, and more affordable.