STATEMENT: Senator Rolison's Response to Governor Hochul's State of the State Address

This week, Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her annual State of the State address outlining her priorities for 2025. While the Governor’s address outlines some initiatives that could serve as a starting point, her vision falls short of addressing the unique needs of the Hudson Valley. In response, Senator Rob Rolison (R-39) issued the following statement: 

“New Yorkers are facing the worst affordability crisis in the nation, driven by Albany’s relentless over-spending, over-taxing, and misplaced priorities. What we truly need are sweeping, fundamental reforms based on common sense, responsible leadership, and fiscal reality, which are the plans we have set forth in our Conference’s legislative agenda.

The Governor’s public safety proposals don’t go far enough for our communities. To fill the gap she is leaving behind, I’m sponsoring the Safer Communities Grant Program to invest in our criminal justice system and ensure that law enforcement agencies have the resources necessary to successfully solve and prosecute violent crimes. As the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction, this is a common sense piece of public safety legislation that I urge my colleagues to pass this session. 

In the same leadership position on the Children and Families Committee, I've fought hard and advocated for many of the initiatives the Governor outlined pertaining to childcare. I am thrilled she’s listened to our calls to invest in childcare systems and make sure no child goes to school hungry.

The people of the Hudson Valley deserve an approach that prioritizes our communities and ensures their voices are heard in Albany. As your Senator, I remain committed to picking up what is left behind by the Governor’s agenda and advocating for the solutions our region needs to move forward."