NY passes $268 billion state budget that Hochul says will lower costs for hardworking families

Ortt, Hawley say ‘bloated’ budget doesn’t address affordability crisis

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed off on a $268 billion state budget today, a budget that was nearly two months past the April 1 deadline.

 Hochul hailed the spending plan for putting New York on a path to statewide universal childcare. She also touted $1 Billion in one-time energy rebate checks.

Some other highlights from the governor include a record high $900 million investment in public safety funding, legislation to ban 3D-printed ghost guns and DIY machine guns, measures to reduce insurance rates for drivers, and no tax on tips.

“Working with my partners in the Legislature, we delivered an ambitious agenda that will lower costs for hardworking families, keep New Yorkers safe and create opportunity for all,” Governor Hochul said. “While Washington continues to make life more difficult for New Yorkers, I’m doing everything in my power to make real, tangible progress on the issues New Yorkers are facing and I will always fight for the people who call this great state home.”

State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt issued this statement:

“This budget not only failed miserably on timeliness and fiscal responsibility, but it also does nothing to address the real affordability crisis facing New Yorkers.

“It fails to rein in skyrocketing energy costs. It refuses to roll back unrealistic and expensive so-called “green” energy mandates that are driving up utility bills for families and businesses alike. It also fails to crack down on the fraud, waste, and abuse that continue to plague New York’s Medicaid system.

“Instead of addressing the issues that matter most to hardworking taxpayers, Albany Democrats remain focused on spending more of your money on giveaways, freebies, and politically driven handouts that do little to help the vast majority of New Yorkers struggling to make ends meet.

“This is a great budget for those who are in this country illegally. But it will do nothing to stop families, seniors, young professionals, and small businesses from continuing to leave our state in search of greater opportunity, affordability, and common sense elsewhere.”

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley issued this statement:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is criticizing the newly enacted New York state budget, which spends over $268 billion, calling it another example of Albany’s out-of-control spending habits that continue to burden hardworking taxpayers while driving residents and businesses out of the state. The enacted budget represents a $13.7 billion increase over last year and has grown by over $100 billion over the last decade.

“Albany is living beyond its means while hardworking New Yorkers are paying the price,” said Hawley. “This budget continues a dangerous pattern of reckless spending while nearly one million people have already left New York this decade, and more are on their heels. Seniors relying on pensions, hardworking families and businesses both large and small cannot continue to carry the burden of the Majority’s misguided priorities. We should be focused on lowering costs, restoring affordability and making New York a place where people want to stay and grow.”

Hawley pointed to states like Florida and Texas, both of which have larger populations than New York, yet operate with substantially leaner state budgets. Hawley said New York’s growing tax burden and cost of living continue to put the state at a competitive disadvantage while families struggle with rising costs for groceries, energy, housing and insurance.

“I see families across New York tightening their belts, yet the Majority in Albany continues to spend money like there is no limit,” Hawley said. “Taxpayers deserve a government that lives within its means, prioritizes kitchen-table issues and respects the people footing the bill for this bloated budget.”