Palmesano reacts to Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget
Statement by Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning)
“Last week, Gov. Hochul said “affordability” was one of her top priorities. Her solution? The largest state budget ever, $252 billion, an increase of $19 BILLION from last year’s proposal is what Gov. Hochul proposed in her executive budget presentation. The governor’s plan continues New York down a dangerous and reckless path of more unsustainable and out-of-control spending and misplaced priorities that will just further compound the affordability crisis and financial struggles and challenges facing New York families and businesses. At a time when New Yorkers are making difficult decisions and having to tighten their own budgets, why does the governor think it is appropriate to increase the state’s budget so dramatically and irresponsibly? The governor and our Democrat colleagues in the Legislature need to remember this is the people’s money, not their money.
“The Legislature will now conduct public budget hearings through the month of February where we will examine the proposed budget and question the governor’s agency commissioners, department heads and community stakeholders to evaluate the impact of her proposals on New Yorkers.
“Budgeting is about priorities, and it is imperative we work to help support and improve the quality of life of our most vulnerable New Yorkers, individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and the dedicated direct-support professionals who care for them. This must be a priority.

“With all the talk about transportation funding focused on the MTA, which I do support, and do understand, is the lifeblood of the downstate transportation network, it is equally important however, that we have funding parity for the DOT Capital Plan to help improve our roads and bridges upstate, especially funding for our local roads, bridges and culverts through the critically important and successful Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS). Just as the MTA is the lifeblood of the downstate transportation network, CHIPS is certainly the lifeblood of our upstate transportation network, and in some instances, the only funding some local communities have to fund their local infrastructure. This must be a priority.
“We have some of the highest taxes and cost of living coupled with the most burdensome and costly regulations in the country, all of which have contributed to New York’s nation-leading outmigration. This is an untenable situation that we must address if we truly want to make New York more affordable for New York families and businesses and if we want to make New York a great place to work and raise a family.
“I will continue to advocate for common-sense policies that prioritize public safety, crime victims and law enforcement over criminals; fiscal responsibility; lower taxes and regulations to help spur job creation and economic development; an energy policy that understands and addresses the importance of affordability and reliability, and not just “so-called” green energy; an equitable transportation infrastructure plan that invests in our local upstate roads and bridges, and not just the downstate MTA; and the care of our most vulnerable New Yorkers, the intellectually and developmentally disabled, and not just migrants here illegally and the downstate elite.”
Assemblyman Palmesano represents the 132nd District, which includes Schuyler County, Yates County and Parts of Chemung County, Seneca County and Steuben County. For more information about Assemblyman Palmesano, Please follow him on Facebook.