Senator Gallivan Issues Statement on NYS Budget

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C, Elma) issued the following statement regarding the FY 2022 State Budget:

“As our state and our nation work to recover from the ravages of the global pandemic, we need to do everything we can to encourage a growing, sustainable economy and provide residents and small businesses with the financial relief they need now and for their future success.

Despite billions of dollars in pandemic-related aid from the federal government, the new budget increases state spending, raises billions of dollars in new taxes and makes it more difficult for businesses to succeed.

This is not the time to stifle economic development and increase the cost of living. We are in the middle of one of the greatest economic recessions and public health crises in history and these added costs will only encourage New York residents and corporations to flee the state, taking tax revenue and jobs with them.

While I support adequate funding for schools and prudent investments in roads, bridges and infrastructure, the final budget goes too far and will create funding challenges in the future.  This is not fiscal responsibility; it is a spending spree that taxpayers cannot afford.  For these reasons, I voted against this budget.

I will continue to fight against taxes and increased fees imposed on our residents and small businesses.  I will continue to support programs to benefit our agricultural community and small businesses in an effort to help them recover.  I will also continue to advocate for fair and equitable funding for our schools, libraries, local governments and roads.”