Senator Gallivan Responds to Governor's State of the State Address

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C, Elma) issued the following statement:

“Governor Hochul outlined her priorities for the new legislative session during the annual State of the State Address in Albany, but did not go into great detail on how she will work with the Legislature to improve public safety, make our state more affordable and support the backbone of our economy, small businesses.

While I am encouraged to hear the governor declare her number one priority is to keep New Yorkers safe and that the bail reform law as written leaves room for improvement, she did not offer specifics or solutions other than a "thoughtful conversation" during the budget process.  We know that changes made over the past couple of years tend to favor offenders over law-abiding citizens. It is time to restore the authority taken from judges and allow them to use their discretion to keep the most dangerous individuals off our streets.  These changes should be made through the legislative process on their own merits and not part of budget negotiations.

Once again, the governor outlined an ambitious plan to end the sale of new fossil-fuel powered heating equipment by 2030, just a few years from now.  While efforts to reduce emissions are important, these goals are unattainable, unsustainable and cost-prohibitive.  The impact on residents, businesses and utility providers must be examined in more detail with more realistic goals and timelines adopted.

The governor also offered little support to New York’s small business community. Her proposal to tie minimum wage to inflation will make it even more challenging for many small businesses to succeed.

In the weeks ahead, I look forward to learning more about the governor’s plan to create more affordable housing across the state, to improve access to child care and to strengthen mental health care.  Together, we must work to implement policies and programs that will improve the lives of all New Yorkers.”

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