After legislative session, local state legislators say ‘one-party rule failing the state’

The three state legislators whose districts include Orleans County all issued statements, expressing disappointed with the legislative session that just ended in Albany.

State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, issued this statement: “This Legislative session has made it clear that one-party rule is failing our state. As New Yorkers face historic inflation, an unprecedented affordability crisis, skyrocketing violent crime and continued out-migration, Albany Democrats have focused on coddling criminals, increasing costs and covering up for the status quo corruption in our state capital.

“In just six months, Albany Democrats advanced radical policies that will increase the cost of living for hardworking New York families. They passed pro-criminal policies like “Clean Slate” while failing to seriously address their no-cash bail reform that has emboldened violent criminals. And they dramatically increased spending, leveraging our state’s future.

“While serious problems mounted for the people of New York, Albany Democrats dedicated their time to serving themselves. Time and again they tried, and failed, to codify their political power, only to be rejected by the voters and the courts.

“I am proud to lead a conference that has been focused on addressing the real challenges facing our state. The Senate Republicans have advanced solutions to lower costs for families and businesses, to support victims and repeal pro-criminal policies like cashless bail, and to make meaningful improvements to the quality of life for all New Yorkers.

“As the politicians return home to their districts to answer to their constituents, I am proud to be on the side of the aisle that fought to make New York State safer, stronger and more affordable.”

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, issued this statement:

“As prices and crime continue to rise in tandem here in New York, I am saddened that throughout this legislative session the Majority has been unwilling to help us address the real concerns of everyday people. It only goes to show that under one-party rule, helping people put food on their tables, gas in their cars and live lives free of crime and violence just aren’t priorities for them.”

State Assemblyman Michael Norris, R-Lockport, issued this statement:

“Albany could have done more to help alleviate the burden New Yorkers are facing as inflation costs are pushing too many hardworking people to the brink, but they failed to address this in the budget or before leaving town for the summer. That’s why I voted against the budget in its entirety and have called for our leaders at the state Capitol and in Washington to take real action to address the rising costs of the daily essentials, like groceries, baby formula, and cleaning products needed.

“Although there have been temporary, Band-Aid solutions, we need comprehensive reforms to how business is done. This ‘tax-and-spend,’ big government mentality has pushed too many businesses to the brink, stalled production and halted transportation of goods, and forced prices to skyrocket above what most Americans can afford. Here in New York, the problem is only exasperated because these daily essentials are taxed above other states, further adding to our out-migration problem. New Yorkers need a change from their state leaders, and they need it now.”