Statement from Senator Patty Ritchie

In the early hours of the morning, New York State approved a new spending plan. While the budget includes positive points—like increased funding for education, an elimination of the fiber optic tax that’s hindered rural broadband expansion and funding to support our veterans—overall, it does not do enough to address the real challenges faced by hardworking New Yorkers.

One of the biggest shortcomings of the spending plan is its failure to address bail reform. The so-called bail reform changes in the state budget are nothing more than smoke and mirrors, do little to address soaring crime and demonstrate the complete disregard the Senate Majority has for public safety.

Totaling $220.5 billion, this year’s budget is $8 billion more than last year and a staggering $34 billion more than 2020. Despite breaking state spending records, this late, massive budget that was negotiated behind closed doors does little to help every day, hardworking, law-abiding New Yorkers. Instead, it favors the priorities of Albany politicians and demonstrates just how detrimental one-party rule is to the future of our state.