State Sen. Steve Rhoads expresses issues with state budget proposals

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Sen. Steve Rhoads has gotten to work aiming to fulfill his campaign promise for a more affordable New York, with an initative named just that. “A More Affordable New York” is part of the Senate Republican Conference’s “Rescue New York” agenda. In a news release on Feb. 13, the conference claimed that Gov. Hochul and the Democrats are continuing their “same old tax and spend routine,” whilst the Republicans are aiming to deliver real solutions.

The release called out specific executive budget proposals the Republicans claim would exacerbate New York state’s low affordability. Some of these proposals include eliminating enhanced Medicaid payments to local governments, increasing unemployment taxes on small businesses, increasing payroll taxes in the MTA region, and giving state money to New York City to pay for the migrant crisis.

Gov. Hochul has claimed that this state money is aimed at mitigating those crises, including resettlement of migrants and proper funding of the MTA.

“The New York City economy drives the state of New York, MTA helps drive the New York City economy,” Hochul said during her budget presentation. “So it’s critically important to all of us.”

According to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, this money is crucial to fixing the migrant issue — and simply letting up is not going to help anything.“We will continue to need our federal and state partners to do their part, and we look forward to working in partnership with them,” Adams said.

But Rhoads is not buying any of it, and is looking to give financial relief to New Yorkers immediately.

“With inflation raging, Governor Hochul continues to push radical policies that make New York less affordable to live, work, grow a business, and raise a family,” Rhoads said in the news release. “It’s no mystery why New Yorkers are fleeing. Democrats are poised to continue the familiar pattern of reckless spending and high taxes designed to punish Long Islanders and suburban residents and businesses across this state. That’s why I was happy to work with my Senate Republican colleagues to come up with an actionable plan that makes New York more affordable for middle-class families. Our plan includes eliminating costly unfunded mandates that drive up local property taxes, protecting small businesses and promoting organic business growth, repealing congestion pricing, and providing relief from heating cost during these upcoming cold winter months. Taxpayers deserve to have their voices heard and the Senate Republican ‘More Affordable New York’ initiative will put money back into their pockets and help make our state affordable once again.”