Governor’s Executive Budget Proposal Shines Brightest When It Leans On Assembly Minority Conference Ideas

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s budget presentation included a number of Assembly Minority Conference ideas, but at its core, the plan still fails to properly prioritize policies that will truly make New York more affordable. The reality of the $252 billion spending plan is that it seeks to continue New York’s tradition of “get money, spend money.” The final figure will likely be even higher. In fact, once legislative Democrats weigh in on the budget, we expect the enacted spending plan to exceed the governor’s proposal.

     On the positive side, the Executive Budget rightfully proposes to cut taxes for the middle class, maintains our $21 billion reserve funding, and adds to our future reserves, which will help New York navigate uncertain economic conditions. No additional spending on illegal migrants is included in this budget proposal, something nearly every New Yorker could get behind as our sanctuary status has become one of the most dangerous and costly self-inflicted nightmares in recent memory.

Thanks to higher-than-expected tax receipts and current spending costs coming in under budget, we have a two-year, $5.3 billion surplus. Considering this, it is extremely disappointing that leaders of the Democratic conferences have inexplicably hinted at increasing taxes. This makes little sense at a time when unaffordability and high prices continue to be a drag on families across the state. The last thing New Yorkers need is a tax hike, and there is certainly no reason for it under these conditions. The responsible thing would be to use the surplus to bring down out-year deficits that under the governor’s proposal have ballooned to $27.3 billion over the next three years.

Further, the governor’s budget includes enormous sums of money for green energy initiatives that have immense initial costs and little economic benefit on paper. It is beyond irresponsible to allocate billions upon billions of dollars without conducting a full financial impact analysis; the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which is driving the governor’s green energy machinations, didn’t include one when passed in 2019.

For these reasons, the Assembly Minority Conference has called for a statutory cap on our state spending. Most households and businesses are forced to spend within their means, so why shouldn’t New York state? Our Conference believes a fiscally sound budget should emphasize holding the line on spending, investing in economic drivers like infrastructure, keeping taxes as low as possible and eliminating outstanding debt.

The Assembly Minority Conference firmly supports a budget that prioritizes spending in areas with tangible economic benefits. Our roads and bridges are the lifeblood of our state’s economy. Investing in our children is a must. I also recently signed onto a letter calling for an additional $450 million in capital support for the critically important, job-creating SUNY upstate hospital. Every economic decision we make should be made with purpose, and it’s hard to believe that will be the case with a financial plan including more than $10 billion in new spending. The governor has talked a big game about “affordability,” but we are never going to spend our way into a lower cost of living. Our Conference will continue to fight for a responsible, effective budget as we get closer to a vote on the massive spending proposal; unfortunately, we have a long road ahead of us to get there.

If you have any questions or comments on this or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office. My office can be reached by mail at 19 Canalview Mall, Fulton, NY 13069 and by email at [email protected]. You may also find me, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, on Facebook or Twitter at @WillABarclay.