“This year’s enacted state budget once again highlights the growing disconnect between Albany’s spending priorities and the real needs of everyday New Yorkers.

Despite a record-high budget, essential programs continue to be underfunded. CHIPS funding falls far short of what our local governments need to maintain and repair critical transportation infrastructure. After meeting with highway superintendents across the district, it was disappointing to see this shortfall. Even more frustrating is the complete lack of additional funding for Extreme Winter Recovery. Our roads, bridges, and communities are bearing the burden of these oversights.

Equally troubling is the $12.5 billion increase in overall spending compared to last year. With a budget now exceeding $250 billion, it’s unacceptable that core programs are still left behind. This level of unchecked spending is simply unsustainable. While the budget included a two-year extension granted to school districts struggling to meet the 2027 zero-emission school bus mandate, I know that still is going to be a burden on our schools to meet the egregious timeline and would have liked to have seen more flexibility in this area.

Another deeply concerning provision allows for the closure of three prisons with 90 days’ notice. Decisions with such serious economic impact should never be buried in the budget - they deserve open discussion and proper legislative review.

That said, there were some positive developments. I was pleased to see meaningful reform to the STAR program, making it more efficient and ensuring property tax relief reaches the homeowners who truly need it. The increase in school aid is also a step in the right direction—our students and educators deserve strong support. I’m especially encouraged by the increase in the aidable salary for BOCES employees. Other positives include the investment in the Child Care Capital Program, paying off the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund debt, and the investment in the Clean Water Infrastructure.

As always, I will continue to advocate for smarter, more responsible budgeting—one that reflects the true priorities of our communities: safer roads, stronger infrastructure, and real relief for hardworking taxpayers.”