Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Lake George) released a statement addressing this year’s New York state budget, which totals a record-setting $254 billion. While acknowledging some positive measures, Simpson expressed significant concerns about the budget’s failure to adequately address the state’s affordability crisis and its unsustainable trajectory of taxing and spending.

“I am pleased to see certain victories in this year’s budget that will provide some relief to New York families and businesses. The expansion of the Empire State child credit, offering up to $1,000 per child under age 4 and doubling the average credit to $943, is a meaningful step toward supporting families and combating child poverty. Additionally, the state’s decision to take responsibility for the $6.2 billion unemployment insurance debt incurred during COVID, rather than burdening our businesses, is a responsible move that protects our economic recovery. The guaranteed 2% year-over-year increase in Foundation Aid is also a step in the right direction, though more work remains to ensure equitable school funding.

Simpson continued, “However, I am deeply troubled by the broader themes of this budget, which do little to address New York’s affordability crisis. At $254 billion, this budget represents yet another record high in spending, further straining New Yorkers who already bear the nation’s highest tax burden. The inclusion of tax credits for the film industry while funding for clean water infrastructure remains flat is a misguided priority that offers no tangible benefit to everyday families struggling to make ends meet. Similarly, the so-called inflationary rebate checks come with a $2 billion price-tag and do not move the needle forward for families. The middle-class tax cuts touted in this budget are superficial, lacking meaningful reform needed to provide real relief.

“New York remains on an unstable fiscal path. Until Albany reins in its unchecked taxing and spending, the affordability crisis will persist, driving families and businesses out of our state. We cannot continue to patch over systemic issues with temporary measures. I urge my colleagues to prioritize meaningful, long-term solutions that put hard-working tax-paying residents first and restore our state’s economic stability.”