Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Lake George) expressed his concerns over the record-setting $256.5 billion one-house budget proposal, calling it another example of Albany’s unsustainable tax-and-spend agenda that fails to address New York’s affordability crisis. However, he noted several key provisions that will directly benefit North Country residents, including increased funding for clean water infrastructure, child care, schooling and long-overdue relief for businesses burdened by unemployment insurance debt.

“This budget is yet another example of Albany politicians saying one thing and doing another. They claim to care about affordability, yet they continue to grow government at the expense of hard-working taxpayers. We see tax breaks worth millions for downstate Hollywood projects while the cost of electrification will result in roughly $37 spikes this summer on average for struggling families,” said Simpson. “The people of the North Country don’t need more reckless spending. We need meaningful tax relief, investments in job creation and policies that make it easier, not harder, to live and work here.”

Despite his criticism of the overall budget, Simpson acknowledged some important wins for his district, including increased funding for clean water infrastructure, universal school meals, expanded child care tax credits and a long overdue measure to repay the state’s unemployment insurance debt that will provide relief to small businesses that have been unfairly saddled with Albany’s fiscal mismanagement.

“These victories are a testament to the work we’ve done to ensure North Country residents get their fair share, but they don’t make up for the overall reckless spending that continues to drive people out of our state,” Simpson added. “Instead of growing the budget every year, we should be cutting taxes, controlling spending and putting working families first. That is what I will continue fighting for.”