“Today, the governor presented her 2022-23 Executive Budget proposal, declaring the massive $216.3 billion price tag would be balanced with no increase of taxes. I look forward to seeing if this statement will hold up in upcoming legislative budget hearings. Inflation on everything from gas to groceries is wreaking havoc on New Yorkers’ lives. The final budget that we pass must provide immediate relief to our constituents. We cannot afford a mass exodus of 300,000 people similar to what we saw in 2021.

“I also hope the governor uses the surplus in federal government dollars to pay off the over $9 billion in unemployment debt that the state has been shouldered with. Small business owners have made countless sacrifices over the last two years, and they should not be made to pay the state’s debt when unallocated federal funds are there for the taking.

“I commend the governor for recognizing the need for infrastructure investments. It is imperative that there is parity in the state’s process when completing these projects. We have heard plenty of talk around improving the MTA downstate, but equally as important is modernizing North County and Adirondack infrastructure, especially broadband.

“In what is a record price tag, I will continue to advocate for fiscal responsibility as we hash out this budget in legislative hearings. New Yorkers deserve razor sharp focus on how we spend money in Albany this year. I urge my colleagues in the Majority to join me in this focus.”