Senator Rob Rolison Responds to State of the State Address

State Senator Rob Rolison (39th District) today released the following statement in response to Governor Kathy Hochul's State of the State address:

"While the governor's plan to get 'back to basics' is warranted and welcome, I am concerned that Albany's business-as-usual attitude will make such aspirations impossible. Unless the Capitol changes its fundamental approach to localities and the people it claims to serve, nothing will improve in the long term and our residents will continue to fall behind.

"This begins by offering a fiscally responsible budget which preserves critical services and investments. New York State faces a daunting budget deficit thanks to years of profligacy and poor planning. Our conference stands ready to offer sound alternatives to the broken status quo, but the one-party state legislature and executive branches must choose to listen to something other than their own echo chamber.

"Second, focus on local residents who are tired of paying for Albany's untested policies. The inexcusable Medicaid cost-shift is exhibit A. Our counties' already squeezed taxpayers cannot afford to take on millions of dollars in new mandates. Next, actions matter. Follow through on promises to those made vulnerable by the country's vitriolic atmosphere. I have repeatedly called on the governor to release the funds she promised to our synagogues and other houses of worship to fight the twin scourges of antisemitism and religious bigotry.