Last week, Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) joined Assembly Radio-TV Producer Ted Flint for an Assembly Update, where he discussed the ongoing state budget negotiations and other key legislative issues.

Gray noted that with the state budget deadline coming up on April 1, debates continue over Article VII language, including a proposed statewide school cell phone ban and changes to discovery laws. He emphasized the need for common-sense solutions that balance safety and accountability, particularly regarding issues such as the governor’s push to ban face masks used for criminal activity.

He also addressed the impact of Executive Order 47.3, which barred 2,000 terminated correctional officers from future state and local employment. Following widespread opposition from lawmakers, law enforcement groups and local governments, the governor is now set to let the order expire on April 9, allowing local hiring to resume.

Additionally, Gray raised concerns about the Extended Producer Responsibility Act, which would mandate costly packaging reforms across widespread industries and drastically drive up consumer prices at grocery stores and beyond. He warned that policies like this make New York increasingly unaffordable for families and businesses.