Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her first State of the State address as elected Governor on Tuesday.
Below is the reaction from a number of state elected leaders and officials following the State of the State address:
Assemblyman Brian Manktelow (R,C-Lyons):
“All across New York, residents are feeling the rise in inflation, they are witnessing a crime surge in areas that were once safe, hospital staffing shortages, and police officers not being recognized for their efforts. This is not the future I want for the great state I once knew. Gov. Hochul made promises today for brighter days ahead, but they lacked the sense of urgency needed to stop the rampant outmigration of our residents to other states. I urge her to keep these crucial priorities in check to ease the burden on New Yorkers.”
Assemblyman John Lemondes (R,C-LaFayette):
“People are working very hard right now to keep things going amid rising inflation costs, ever-present New York state taxes and skyrocketing energy bills. While we heard a lot of grand political pandering only action will help farmers and small businesses afford labor costs, hardworking families better afford essentials like children’s cold medicine or diapers, and stop seniors are being scammed out of their life savings. These are the priorities my staff and I are working on, and I’ll continue fighting to get Albany to listen and take action helping people – not just politicians.”
Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning):
“Gov. Hochul delivered the annual State of the State address outlining her priorities for the upcoming session. I hope for, and expect, more specific details about her agenda when she presents her Executive Budget Proposal later this month. One thing is for certain, the governor and Legislature must address the challenging affordability and public-safety crisis facing our state. Violent crime in our communities, out-of-control spending, over-taxation, record inflation, one-party rule and costly, burdensome regulations on our small-business owners are devastating hardworking New Yorkers and contributing to the alarming exodus of residents and businesses that continue to leave our state.
“Gov. Hochul knows that we have a serious out-migration problem; in fact, we have lost more than 500,000 New Yorkers over the past two years. If she is truly serious about reversing the costly trend, she will present the Legislature with a budget proposal that is fiscally responsible and reflects the concerns and financial struggles New Yorkers are facing around our state.
“I will continue to advocate for common-sense policies that prioritize public safety and crime victims over criminals; lowers taxes and regulations to help spur job creation and economic development; an energy policy that prioritizes affordability and reliability, and not just green, for our seniors, families and businesses; a transportation infrastructure plan that invests in our local roads and bridges, and not just the MTA; and to ensure we are prioritizing the care of our most vulnerable New Yorkers—individuals with developmental disabilities. Their care, services, quality of life, and the direct-support professionals who care for them, will continue to be a top priority for me and should be a major focus of the Legislature this session.
“I implore the governor and legislative leaders to work with us in a bipartisan manner during the upcoming year to address these critical issues. The taxpayer is owed nothing less.”
State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats):
“Governor Hochul gave a very low-key, safe speech. She highlighted the affordability crisis we have in New York State, but every agenda item she spoke of will only make New York a more expensive place to live and do business. She appears intent on spending every last taxpayer dime, and then some. It’s going to demand more and more revenue, including higher taxes and increased borrowing. New York State remains one of America’s highest-taxed, least affordable, most debt-ridden and overregulated states, and we’re leading the nation in population loss to top it off. It’s mind-boggling how Governor Hochul and top legislative Democrats can keep boasting about higher and higher state government spending. One-party control of New York government has already produced billions of dollars of short- and long-term spending requiring billions of dollars in new taxes, fees, and borrowing for future generations of state and local taxpayers. Their relentless pursuit of a hard-left, extreme-liberal political agenda remains the priority over a long-term, sustainable future for upstate, middle-class communities, families, employers, workers, and taxpayers.”
State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli:
“As we embark on a new year and legislative session, the State of the State message delivered by Gov. Kathy Hochul set forth her agenda. State government is here to work for the people of this state and make life better and more equitable for all New Yorkers. Her top priorities, including addressing the affordable housing crisis, fighting back on crime, and investing in high-quality health care, education, and infrastructure, are the same priorities shared by all New Yorkers.
“We are now entering the third year of the lingering effects of COVID-19 on our health and economy. As the nation continues to recover from pandemic aftershocks, the state’s fiscal footing is currently stable, but the economy remains uneven, and inflation is still too high. To prepare for future risks and uncertainties, rainy day reserve targets should be met, spending plans should be cautious, and prudent debt practices should be restored.
“We arrive in 2023 having persevered; still recovering, but well on our way back. I look forward to more specifics in the upcoming budget presentation at the end of the month.”
New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher:
“Gov. Hochul’s State of the State recognizes some of the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture, and her proposals to expand markets and tax credits are much appreciated. This includes a plan to make the investment tax credit refundable and increase state procurement of New York farm products. We also support efforts to expand urban agriculture in the state and shore up our workforce through job training and increased manufacturing. However, labor costs continue to rise, putting increased pressure on our farms’ sustainability. New York Farm Bureau is concerned that a plan to boost the minimum wage will exacerbate that problem and further push up inflationary costs.
“Our farms depend on a strong economy, investment in critical agricultural programs, and reasonable regulations. New York Farm Bureau looks forward to working with the governor to build on today’s agenda and improve our agricultural and food system that benefits all New Yorkers.”
New York State Association of Counties President Michael Zurlo:
“From strengthening public safety and mental health services to increasing affordable housing and reversing decades of population loss, Governor Hochul’s State of the State address laid out an ambitious agenda to address issues that are of paramount importance to New York’s counties and the residents we serve. Counties are on the front lines of government, turning public policy into services that touch New Yorkers’ lives. We look forward to working with Governor Hochul and the State Legislature in the coming months to turn the vision laid out today into effective solutions that will help New Yorkers afford to stay and raise their families in our communities, and live safer healthier lives.”
