Reaction mixed on Hochul’s state budget proposal
Gov. Kathy Hochul presented a $260 billion budget proposal today that has received a mixed reaction.
Here are some of the responses:
The Empire Center: “It should go without saying that rejecting further tax hikes – in what’s already the most heavily taxed state in the country – was the right thing for Governor Hochul to do.
“Her proposals to streamline the regulatory process for housing construction and cracking down on auto insurance fraud are also welcome ideas that would make the state more affordable.
“Unfortunately, her plan would also continue a pattern of excessive spending growth, especially an 11.5 percent increase in Medicaid. This being an election year, the state legislators will almost certainly push to hike taxes and increase spending even more. Taxpayers can only hope that the governor imposes a modicum of discipline.”
New York State School Boards Association Executive Director Robert Schneider: “The New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) is pleased that Gov. Hochul’s proposed state budget fully funds Foundation Aid, expense-based aids and the existing universal school meals program.
“In addition, we are hopeful that the funding boosts for universal pre-kindergarten will help allow all districts to successfully open and grow those important programs. These are all high priority areas for school leadership teams and we thank the governor for recognizing their importance.
“There are a few areas in which the budget falls short, however, and NYSSBA looks forward to working with the governor and state lawmakers as budget negotiations progress.
“In particular, while we appreciate that the governor recognizes that all school districts face increasing costs, a 1% minimum increase falls short for too many districts and does not keep pace with expenses such as energy, contractual obligations, and health insurance. The budget also does not address the woefully outdated Foundation Aid formula. The governor and legislature put in place a number of meaningful updates to the formula last year, but more updates are needed to ensure the formula meets the needs of all students in the state.
“Finally, until or unless lawmakers repeal or significantly alter the zero emission bus requirement, NYSSBA would also like to see the state budget provide school districts with additional support, resources and reforms to meet the many financial and logistical hurdles required to transition school bus fleets to all electric vehicles.”
State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt: “When given the opportunity to put her money where her mouth is on ‘affordability,’ Governor Hochul chose to continue down the unsustainable path of massive state spending.
“Without directly saying it, Hochul praised President Trump for how well Wall Street is doing and highlighting record corporate bonuses. It’s hard to criticize the President for his economic policies when it’s clearly working, the economy is stronger than before and the Governor has nothing to do with that.
“Instead of offering a fiscally responsible budget to provide relief to New Yorkers struggling with an affordability crisis, the bloated $260 billion plan is a continuation of the policies that have made New York the most unaffordable state in the nation.
“At a time when she should be tightening the belt on state finances, the Governor’s election year budget increases state operating funds by $8.5 billion and includes no substantive tax relief – and this is before her radical allies in the Legislature unveil their proposals to bloat this budget even more.
“This budget does nothing to address the real issues facing our state, and as a result, we will continue to lose families and businesses.
Greater Rochester Chamber President & CEO Bob Duffy: “Today’s executive budget proposal announced key initiatives to make New York State better and more affordable for its residents and businesses — a mission we greatly appreciate.
“While navigating federal budget cuts and economic uncertainty, programs to fund all-of-the-above energy generation, infrastructure improvements, universal childcare, healthcare, education, and more will have significant and transformative impacts on our community and those who work here.
“Thank you to Governor Hochul for investing in the Finger Lakes Region and New York State’s future. Greater Rochester Chamber will continue to work with our members, Governor Hochul, our delegation, and other elected officials to advance the priorities of our business community in the forthcoming one-house budgets and enacted State budget.”
Parks & Trails New York: “Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) applauds Governor Hochul’s proposed FY2027 budget for affirming that public lands are essential to New York’s economy, climate resilience, and the health and well-being of its residents. In a year when New Yorkers are visiting public lands at historic levels and showing widespread support for conservation, the Governor’s proposal reflects both leadership and responsiveness to the electorate.
“The proposed State Parks capital plan, totaling $340 million with an additional $75 million for NY BRICKS, invests in projects that rejuvenate aging infrastructure, expand access to recreation in urban and underserved communities, and connect millions of New Yorkers to parks, trails, and historic sites. Investments, including $75 million for High Falls State Park in Rochester and $58 million for renovations at Riverbank State Park and Lake Welch in Harriman State Park, acknowledge parks as essential civic infrastructure on par with transportation, water, and public safety systems.
“PTNY is also encouraged by the proposed $90 million in DEC capital funding through the Adventure NY program, which strengthens public access to state lands and supports infrastructure critical to outdoor recreation and climate resilience across 5 million acres. Keeping pace with strong public demand, however, will require growing DEC capital funding to at least $100 million in the next fiscal year.
“We also applaud the Governor’s continued support for the Environmental Protection Fund, including funding that expands the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program to $2.65 million and maintains $26 million for the Municipal Parks Program and $3.8 million for Connect Kids to Parks. These programs are crucial for grassroots stewardship, expanding access to public lands, and ensuring that children from all backgrounds can enjoy the outdoors. PTNY also celebrates the Our Whole History initiative, which highlights the importance of inclusion, equity, and broad public engagement in the history of New York’s public lands.
While the budget advances many priorities, a notable gap is the continued absence of dedicated funding for greenway trails–an area critical for connecting communities, bolstering local economies and improving recreational equity… With a new strategic plan and a growing coalition of advocates, PTNY remains a committed partner in fostering a world-class public lands system that meets the needs of today and expands access for all in the future.”
