Thursday, October 1, 2026
Over the course of this state legislative session, I focused on the policies my constituents cared about most. Every session presents its own set of unique circumstances requiring legislative action, but this year it was abundantly clear that affordability was a top concern. The cost of groceries, utilities, insurance and housing continues to rise, making it increasingly challenging for many residents to make ends meet, especially on Long Island.
But specifically among homeowners, one concern was raised time and again: property taxes. For many Long Island families, property taxes represent one of the largest expenses in their household budget. Seniors living on fixed incomes worry about whether they can afford to remain in the communities they helped build. Young families trying to purchase their first home question whether they can keep up with the long-term costs of homeownership in addition to child care. The government has a responsibility to address those concerns with practical solutions that provide meaningful and tangible relief.
Since property taxes fund a significant portion of local school district budgets, substantial state support is vital. School districts are continually facing rising costs, and school administrators work diligently to mitigate those costs to avoid burdening taxpayers. One of my top priorities this year was securing increased funding for our schools while reducing costs in order to bolster district budgets.
Record foundation aid investment. Every additional dollar New York state invests in local schools is a dollar that doesn’t need to come from homeowners. This year’s state budget provides historic funding for public education, ensuring that school districts receive the resources they need to educate students without relying as heavily on local property taxpayers.
These investments allow districts to continue funding classroom instruction, special-education programs, transportation services, extracurricular activities, mental health resources and other essential programs. In short, increasing state support for education is one of the most effective ways to make homeownership more affordable while preserving the educational excellence that makes our communities so desirable.
Zero-emission bus mandate for school districts pause. I strongly support responsible environmental policies, but we must carefully consider the financial impact that major mandates can have on local communities. School districts across Long Island expressed concerns about the significant costs associated with purchasing electric buses, constructing charging infrastructure and upgrading facilities. Without additional flexibility, many districts could have been forced to absorb millions of dollars in new expenses in a relatively short period of time. Ultimately, those costs would have landed on the shoulders of local taxpayers.
I fought strongly for a pause in the zero-emission bus mandate because it just isn’t feasible at this time. The decision to pause implementation deadlines by five years gives the state more time to effectively plan a fiduciary responsible strategy of procurement, building the infrastructure and ensuring grid reliability. I will continue fighting to keep this pause in effect until the state agencies involved can lay out a comprehensive plan to implement EV buses, since the cost burden cannot be passed on to taxpayers.
Energy performance contracts. Energy performance contracts are an extremely effective tool that help school districts generate savings on energy upgrades. Currently, state law only allows recovery for up to 18 years, meaning schools often have to pass on projects that would generate longer-term savings. However, my bill A6318 would extend the allowable contract period to 25 years, making it easier for districts to undertake projects that lower costs without requiring large upfront expenditures. I’m proud to report that, for the first time since its introduction in 2019, this legislation passed both houses of the Legislature and is currently awaiting Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature.
Real change happens when meaningful action is taken to address the burden of rising costs throughout our communities. Record foundation aid, pausing the zero-emission bus mandate and extending the time for energy performance contracts are just three of the ways to bring financial relief to Long Island families. I will continue fighting for policies that help families keep more of their hard-earned money, strengthen our schools and ensure that Long Island remains a place where people can afford to live, work, play, raise a family and retire with dignity.
Judy Griffin represents the 21st Assembly District.
