It is sad to see our state enter into the 2020 budget cycle with a $6 billion budget shortfall from 2019. This is on top of a $56 billion debt burden. With this debt, the budget as outlined by the governor is simply not sustainable. Once again, the governor is doubling down on his failed policies and continuing his push for more spending.

“As a result, this could result in New York families, seniors and businesses being forced to pay more taxes to support the governor’s new spending initiatives. We have seen the impacts of these kinds of policies before. Last decade, New York led the nation in population decline with 1.4 million residents lost.

“Unfortunately, it is not surprising to see that the chickens are once again coming home to roost on these failed policies this year in Albany. That being said, I remain hopeful that our state can change direction and empower families, small businesses and seniors with the tax relief and wholesale changes required in Albany to move this state in the right direction.”