Statement From Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay On Gov. Hochul’s State Of The State Address

   “Every State of the State address is a reminder that actions speak louder than words, and this year’s presentation was no different. Until residents see a positive change in their day-to-day lives—lower costs, safer communities and reversing the alarming outmigration trend—rhetoric alone will not be enough.

Since 2019, New York has been operating under One-Party rule in Albany. But Democrats have failed to deliver the affordability, public safety and quality-of-life improvements New Yorkers were promised.

The agenda outlined today is like window shopping. In next week’s executive budget proposal, we see the price tags. That’s when reality sets in.

New York now ranks 45th in the nation for affordability, and families are voting with their feet. The real test of whether New York Democrats are serious about affordability will come in the state budget. The reckless pattern of throwing taxpayer dollars at problems has repeatedly failed. Over the last five years, state government spending has increased by $81 billion, yet New Yorkers’ quality of life has not improved. In fact, it has declined.

As with every State of the State address, there are proposals we should all be able to agree upon: a commitment to stronger nuclear energy investments; protecting kids from online schemes and dangers; removing some of New York’s cumbersome red tape and regulations; and ridding political campaigns of misinformation generated by AI are among those consensus items.

The governor outlined a proposal to launch ‘free’ universal child care; however, her plan adds $1.7 billion in recurring costs, bringing the total cost to taxpayers to $4.5 billion this year alone. Our Conference has staunchly advocated for affordable, accessible child care, but it must be done responsibly and in a way that truly helps working families without burdening taxpayers.

Additionally, doubling down on sanctuary policies ignores the hard lessons learned from the migrant crisis. Immigration is governed by federal law, and no state can simply declare it will play by its own rules. Until New York Democrats acknowledge that reality, taxpayers and local communities will continue to bear the costs of policies that defy common sense and accountability.

Any vision for 2026 must be grounded in reality. Blaming 12 months of the federal administration for New York’s decades-long problems is neither honest nor productive. The truth is, New York has the strength, talent and resources to control its own destiny. We won’t get there by blaming Washington for home-grown problems and doubling down on policy decisions that contribute to the status quo.”