Skoufis Touts Hudson Valley Wins in Senate’s Budget Plan, Secures Gas Tax Relief

The Senate plan seeks to accelerate middle-class income tax cuts originally planned for 2025 to 2023, keeping more money in Hudson Valley residents’ pockets.

 In addition to last year’s $400 million property tax relief program that middle-class homeowners can claim on their state taxes, the Senate proposes a new initiative that will send significant rebates to New York homeowners starting later this year.

Under the Senate’s plan, schools within Skoufis’ Senate District would receive $835,848,482 in total school aid, including an increase of 18.1% in foundation aid, the complex formula that determines state funding for our schools. The plan also puts forth $27 million for library operating aid and $20 million for new transportation grants. Skoufis continues to fight for full and equitable school funding to ensure all Hudson Valley students receive a strong public education.

After securing funding for 1,000 first-ever pre-k seats in his Senate District last year, Skoufis is fighting for expansion of pre-kindergarten programming locally. The Senate’s plan reflects a $250 million increase for pre-k expansion this year, with a full and truly “universal” phase-in over the next two years.

After securing $5 million in special tax certiorari aid in the final budget last year - $1 million of which went to North Rockland Central School District - the Senate plan proposes a significant increase to assist North Rockland in order to ease the district’s Mirant debt crisis and associated tax burden.

The Senate’s plan proposes $400 million in new relief for residents who are facing financial hardship from the recent energy surge that has caused utility bills to skyrocket. Additionally, Skoufis, as chairman of the Senate’s investigations committee,  recently announced an investigation into utilities, power suppliers, and the state over the unsustainable bills.

In light of skyrocketing global fuel prices, the Senate’s plan includes a proposal from Skoufis to create a gas tax holiday from May 1 - December 31 of this year which will translate to immediate, much-needed savings at the pump.

The Senate’s plan extends proposed small business tax cuts to those who pay under the corporate franchise tax, and creates a $250 million tax credit for any COVID-related expenses incurred by small businesses.

The Senate’s plan recommends an additional $250 million in Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) funding over last year and adds $50M for the Extreme Winter Recovery program statewide; both programs provide direct funding to rehabilitate local roads and bridges. The DOT’s $32.8 billion, five-year capital plan will advance critical projects throughout the state, including the Route 17 to I-86 conversion in Orange County.

The Senate’s plan would fund $10.3 billion over the next three years to bolster access and affordability of childcare for tens of thousands of families. The plan also commits a historic increase to improve pay for in-home care providers serving the disabled, injured, and elderly across New York State.

At Skoufis’ urging, the Senate’s plan adds another $50 million to the state parks capital budget, bringing the total to $250 million. This addition will lead to key investments in Harriman State Park, including jump-starting work to reopen Sebago Beach, as well as provide critical funding to the proposed Fjord Trail that will connect the Cold Spring and Beacon train stations.

Skoufis led the charge in recent months to call for the state to reimburse suburban counties - and their taxpayers - that currently foot 1/3 of the bill whenever a local resident attends the Fashion Institute of Technology. The change, valued at $11 million, will address this long-standing inequity that has disproportionately impacted suburban taxpayers for many years.

After unanimous approval in the Senate, Skoufis’ proposal to save mom and pop pharmacies has been prioritized in budget discussions.