Statement by Senator Borrello on the Senate’s One-House Budget

“As New Yorkers, we all want to see our state recovering from the pandemic and other difficulties of the past year and begin moving forward.

“To that end, the $12.6 billion in unrestricted federal aid that New York is slated to receive from Washington’s latest COVID relief plan has the potential to be a huge step forward for our economic recovery. When combined with another $11 billion in federal relief for schools and municipalities, these funds are enough to close our budget deficits, restore funding for key programs and do so without raising taxes.

“Regrettably, the Democrats in the Majority have apparently viewed these COVID relief funds as a license to go on an unprecedented spending spree. Among other things, their budget proposal increases state spending to a record-breaking $210 billion, 15 percent over the Executive budget. It raises taxes by well over $6 billion on residents and businesses, ignores statutory spending caps, and creates a $2.1 billion fund charged with distributing unemployment monies to people working under the table or engaged in criminal activities, with virtually no verification.  While small businesses struggle to survive and working-class families face an uncertain future, this is a budget we simply cannot afford.

“Rather than moving New York ahead, this is a plan that will only keep our residents and businesses running for the exits and ensuring we stay #1 in the outmigration of our residents. While there are many things in this proposed budget worthy of support, including increased aid for agriculture, education, transportation and grants for small business, the overall lack of fiscal restraint is stunning and a recipe for our state’s continued economic decline.

“While I could not support this wasteful spending plan, I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to work with us to craft a responsible, forward-looking budget that addresses the economic damage of the past year and restores funds for critical programs and services, without putting us on a dangerous and unsustainable path.”

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