Statement From Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick On Governor Hochul’s 2025 Executive Budget Proposal

With a proposed record spending level of $233 billion, this proposal would continue to move New York in the wrong direction instead of tackling one of the leading drivers of our affordability crisis – Albany spending taxpayer dollars with seemingly no regard for taxpayers. Furthermore, this Budget fails to adequately address the issues of crime and economic insecurity that are plaguing our state.

While suggesting the allocation of millions in tax dollars towards new programs, the Budget lacks the essential and fundamental reforms required to restore law and order. There is a crucial need for comprehensive measures that address crime and fix the state’s disastrous bail laws to ensure the safety and security of our local communities. 

I remain encouraged by the significant investments that the Governor seeks to make in our state’s mental health services, particularly her promise to invest $55 million on new inpatient beds and $45 million to create mental health facilities in our schools. However, the proposal does not sufficiently invest in the workforce serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Unfortunately, one-party rule and irresponsible policymaking have brought our state to a fiscal cliff, exacerbated by overspending and the migrant crisis. The state cannot simply spend or build its way out of these largely self-imposed crises, which is why it is imperative that lawmakers be more strategic and prudent when it comes to determining how taxpayer dollars are spent. Too many New Yorkers have had to tighten their budgets as our state has become less affordable, and it is critical that New York does the same. 

I look forward to examining every aspect of the Governor’s proposal, while continuing to push for comprehensive, common sense reforms that will make our state safer, stronger and more affordable.