Senate Republicans Announce “Liberate New York” 2025 Legislative Agenda
January 13, 2025
(From left to right, Front: Senator Mario Mattera, Senator Joe Griffo, Senator Pam Helming, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, Senator Steve Chan, Senator Patrick Gallivan, Senator Tom O’Mara. Behind: Senator George Borrello, Senator Bill Weber, Senator M
A plan to bring back affordability, create a safer and healthier New York, put an end to the migrant crisis, protect students and parental rights and call for government accountability
Albany, NY - Today the New York State Senate Republican Conference unveiled “Liberate New York,” a comprehensive legislative agenda of policy goals for 2025 to combat the Democrat establishment in New York State. This packet’s priority is the everyday, hardworking New Yorker– the New Yorkers left behind by radical, progressive Democrats in Albany.
Extreme policies enacted as a result of the Democrat establishment have had a direct effect on the quality of life and opportunity across this state. Which is why New York leads the country in outmigration since 2020. The current majority has continually proven its misplaced priorities on the issues, ineptitude to understand the needs of New Yorkers and inability to lead. Senate Republicans are offering a plan based on common sense that will deliver a better New York, one its people want and deserve.
“From endless taxes, migrant spending and out of touch energy mandates to name a few Democrat driven policies driving this state into the ground. Throughout these failures one theme is clear– their willingness to prioritize their political agendas over the everyday hardworking New Yorker. Streets lined with crime, knifings in broad daylight in the middle of Manhattan, illegal migrant gangs terrorizing neighborhoods. Yet the focus is shifted to new taxes on New Yorkers already seeing their dollar stretched thin, like congestion pricing, and unfunded mandates that will further exacerbate the affordability and housing crisis. Farms in our rural communities have been dwindling because of state mandates increasing regulatory costs jeopardizing production,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.
“Our Senate Republican proposals bring common sense to a State government that has been dominated by one-party rule. Enough is enough, and it is time to change course! Democrat policies have given New Yorkers high inflation, high crime, high taxes, high energy bills, high insurance bills, high tolls, and high grocery prices that have made it virtually impossible for people to get ahead. New Yorkers have suffered enough. New Yorkers deserve a new direction that provides hope. These proposals will allow New Yorkers to prosper, and protect them from failed, one-party rule,” said Senate Deputy Republican Leader Andrew Lanza.
“Liberate New York” is a comprehensive legislative agenda for 2025 outlining a plan to fight for New Yorkers against the active destruction of our state from radical democrats in Albany. This agenda prioritizes improving affordability, improving public safety, and building a stronger New York:
- Provide Affordability and Economic Opportunity
- Create a Safer, Healthier New York
- End the Migrant Crisis
- Protect Students and Defend Parental Rights
- Call For Government Accountability
More details of the New York State Senate Republicans’ “Liberate New York,” 2025 legislative agenda will be unveiled in the coming weeks. To read more, click here.
“New Yorkers want a break on their bills and they want to feel safe in their neighborhoods. That’s our focus. We have a comprehensive plan to drive down housing and childcare costs, cut utility bills and restore public safety. We’re ready to get to work,” said Senator Jake Ashby, SD 43rd.
“The 'Liberate New York' agenda is about taking our state back from the reckless, out-of-touch policies that Democrats have forced on us. Sanctuary laws are straining communities and bleeding taxpayers dry, their soft-on-crime agenda has turned our streets into danger zones, and pie-in-the-sky climate mandates are on track to devastate our economy and our taxpayers. Letting radical activists and special interests dictate policy has put our state into a downward spiral. It's time to restore affordability, prioritize safety, and bring common sense back to Albany. It’s time to stand up for hardworking New Yorkers and rebuild a state where families can actually thrive,” said Senator George Borrello, SD 57th.
“Albany has spent far too much, for too long, burdening New Yorkers with higher taxes and a soaring cost of living, costly energy mandates, and public safety policies that leave our communities feeling unsafe. The realities of everyday New Yorkers continue to be ignored and as New York’s challenges continue to grow. Radical Democrat-driven policies like cashless bail and sanctuary, open door policies only make the lives of New Yorkers worse. Despite these failures, Senate Democrats prioritize political agendas over the real needs of New Yorkers. "Liberate New York" is a comprehensive 2025 roadmap committed to fighting the destructive impacts of Albany’s radical policies and standing up for the people of our state,” said Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, SD 9th.
“The failures of One-Party rule are evident across New York State. Thankfully, we’re witnessing the people of this great state begin to see through the nonsense coming from the left. As a resident of Brooklyn for 48 years and an Officer in the NYPD for 27, I’ve seen this city, and this state, at its highest of highs and lowest of lows. Shortsighted policies like Discovery, Bail Reform, and runaway migrant spending have turned our city into the laughing stock of this country. By emboldening criminals and ignoring the necessities of the taxpayer, Democrats in the legislature have been complicit– if not solely responsible for the deterioration of our homes,” said Senator Steve Chan, SD 17th
“Rising costs due to inflation, higher taxes and fees, and expensive state mandates are hurting hard working families and making it more challenging for businesses to stay in New York. By better controlling the size and cost of government, we can promote economic opportunity, create jobs, and limit the financial burdens New Yorkers face every day. We must ensure the safety of all residents by reversing misguided reforms that embolden criminals at the expense of law-abiding individuals and communities. We should also strive to develop a more realistic, sustainable, and affordable clean energy plan that protects our environment while shielding taxpayers and utility customers,” said Senator Patrick Gallivan, SD 60th.
“As a result of one-party control and the leadership of the legislative majorities and governor over the last several years, we have seen a mass exodus of New Yorkers. They are fleeing because of problematic, flawed and out-of-touch policies that have resulted in burdensome taxes, mandates and regulations, a lack of affordability, public safety concerns and other challenges that have made it more difficult to live, work and do business in the state. Our agenda offers sensible solutions, ideas and proposals that will help struggling New Yorkers and their families, will strengthen the state’s economy, communities, schools, businesses, agriculture and infrastructure and will improve public safety. It will make New York more affordable, safer and stronger,” said Senator Joseph Griffo, SD 53rd.
“We hear everyday from our constituents that they are looking for meaningful change. Affordability is a critical issue that touches every aspect of life for all New Yorkers —from housing and healthcare to groceries and property taxes. Together, we can lead fundamental reforms, eliminate wasteful spending, ensure public safety, and attract businesses back to New York. Let’s unite our efforts to reset our state and turn New York around together for everyone,” said Senator Pam Helming, Chair of the Republican Conference, SD 54th.
“Our hard-working Long Island families have had enough. Between congestion pricing, housing plans, crime, regionalizing our schools, and the migrant crisis, Governor Hochul has made it very clear where she stands, and it is not with us. The Governor's policies are not prioritizing New Yorkers. Our families are struggling to make ends meet, while taxes are being piled on every day. People are frustrated and tired. We need to do better. It is high time that New York State government prioritized hard working New Yorkers. This plan does that,” said Senator Jack Martins, Vice Chair of the Senate Republican Conference, SD 7th.
“The residents of New York State desperately need a return of common sense and I am proud to join Leader Ortt and my colleagues in the Senate Republican Conference to present this proposal. From protecting our residents from rising crime to making our state more affordable so the youngest and oldest New Yorkers are able to live here, this plan will make the changes our residents deserve. The Senate Republican Conference is focused on taking action that will move our state in a better direction and we are ready to get to work to make the changes that our residents sorely need,” said Senator Mario R. Mattera, SD 2nd.
“New Yorkers are fleeing the empire state in record numbers, telling us they don't feel safe and they can't afford to stay. Yet, the Senate Democrats have repeatedly said that their agenda for the upcoming year will focus on more woke policies and plans to fight against President Trump. Meanwhile, the NYS Senate Republicans are focusing on what New Yorkers say they want and need. I'm proud to say that our 2025 legislative agenda is focused on creating a safer, more affordable New York with ideas and policies that give folks a reason to stay,” said Senator Dean Murray, SD 3rd.
“I am proud to stand alongside my Senate Republican colleagues today as we present a plan to make New York safer, more affordable, and more secure for hardworking families across our state. Our 2025 legislative agenda is built on common-sense solutions that directly address the challenges faced by everyday New Yorkers—challenges created by extreme policies and failed one-party leadership. Together, we will restore opportunity, rebuild trust, and chart a path toward a brighter future for our state,” said Senator Peter Oberacker, SD 51st.
“Many New Yorkers are looking for a redirection of priorities and resources to begin truly addressing unmet challenges and crises, as well as charting a course for a saner, more sensible, and more sustainable state government. For far too long now, New Yorkers across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, throughout Upstate New York, and statewide, have worried about making ends meet. They have watched this state become less safe, less affordable, less free, less economically competitive, less responsible, and certainly far less hopeful for the future. It’s time to get this state back on track towards a safer and stronger future,” said Senator Tom O’Mara, SD 58th.
“Under one-party control of state government, New York State has become less safe and unaffordable thanks to a host of radical policies that were rammed into law. Enough is enough. 2025 is an opportunity to abandon out-of-touch ideas and focus on real solutions to fix public safety and address the affordability crisis impacting families and seniors,” said Senator Anthony Palumbo, SD 1st.
“It’s time to turn our state around by reversing radical policies and restoring common-sense. From skyrocketing taxes to billions in unsustainable migrant support costs to unfunded mandates to record number of residents fleeing our State, and unrealistic energy policies, hardworking New Yorkers are being crushed under the weight of radical one-party rule and a cascade of misguided policies. Our plan to "Liberate New York" will reverse these harmful policies and chart a brighter path forward for New York. This common-sense legislative roadmap puts New Yorkers first, prioritizes affordability for middle-class families, expands economic opportunity and job creation, invests in sustainable infrastructure, supports our children, veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, while unleashing our state's true potential. It's time to Liberate New York and build a better, safer, healthier, and more affordable tomorrow for all New Yorkers,” said Senator Steven Rhoads, SD 5th.
“I am pleased to join my colleagues in the Senate as we pick up what the majority leaves behind – putting New Yorkers first, strengthening our communities, protecting our residents, and making New York a place where everyone can thrive. These policies are designed to deliver real solutions while tackling affordability head-on and easing financial burdens on our families, small businesses, and seniors. We are committing to restoring common-sense measures to protect our communities and ensure residents feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods, on public transportation, and more. We are unwavering in our commitment to fighting for a better future for New York,” said Senator Rob Rolison, SD 39th.
“Last year’s election should have made it painfully clear to Democrat leaders: their agenda is extreme and out of touch with the values and needs of our law-abiding taxpayers. I’m proud to join my Senate Republican colleagues today in advocating for common sense reforms to stem the tide of pro-illegal immigration and crime policies we’ve seen from the governor and her allies. Let’s do the right thing and make New York more secure and more affordable for this generation, and for generations to come,” said Senator Dan Stec, SD 45th.
“New York is a beautiful state with amazing and talented citizens. Unfortunately, under one-party rule, it’s become too expensive for many people to continue to afford to live and work in which has led to a mass escape from New York over the past few years. We need to liberate New York from the culture of over-taxation, over-regulation, and over-spending and make it a safer and more affordable place to call home,” said Senator Jim Tedisco, SD 44th.
“New Yorkers are tired of endless taxes, reckless spending and energy mandates that are out of touch with reality. While hardworking New Yorkers are forced to choose between paying their bills and putting food on the table, the focus of Senate Democrats remains imposing new taxes that only add to their burdens and advancing misguided policy that does nothing to benefit families and businesses. It's long overdue that we shift our attention back to the people of the State of New York and get things back on track,” said Senator Mark Walczyk, SD 49th.
“Radical Albany Democrats have a misguided vision of progress. During this legislative session, the NYS Senate Republican conference will pursue cutting taxes for residents and small businesses, repealing the burdensome congestion pricing scheme, safeguarding home rule, and securing fair wages for care workers who serve New York’s most vulnerable. Our conference will also continue to prioritize victims over criminals and work to protect law enforcement officers from unfair penalization. We champion these policies not for political expediency but because they are the right thing to do for New York State and its remaining residents," said Senator Bill Weber, SD 38th.
“Long Islanders continue to tell Albany they want the real problems they face everyday addressed and corrected. This positive, common-sense agenda does exactly that. We simply have to address the cost of living and public safety issues the Democrat majority created that are driving residents out of our state,” said Senator Alexis Weik, SD 8th.
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