SENATOR WALCZYK CALLS FOR FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY THROUGH COGE
July 21, 2025
In light of the projected $750 million funding gap resulting from responsible budgeting at the Federal level, Senator Mark Walczyk is calling out Governor Kathy Hochul and the Albany Democrats for their reckless spending habits.
"Instead of scrambling to fill the $750 million hole, the real question is why are we in this situation at all?" Senator Walczyk stated. "New York’s financial woes stem not from the decisions of the Federal Congress and President Trump, but from a bloated budget and corrupt process completely out of line with the needs of real New Yorkers."
Part of Senator Walczyk’s solution is Senate Bill S4959, a bold initiative introduced in March that would establish the Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE). This bipartisan body is designed to expose and root out wasteful expenditures in the state budget. "New York's budget was 40 days late and rammed through with little transparency. By scrutinizing the State's spending plan and showing people where their tax dollars are going, we can close the funding gap overnight," he declared.
"Governor Hochul has admitted that her state agencies aren't operating efficiently. New Yorkers deserve to know that every dollar of their hard-earned taxes is spent wisely. I am calling on the Governor to support my bill, to establish COGE in New York. If COGE was on the books right now, it would save the State BILLIONS," Walczyk asserted.
By way of brief illustration, Governor Hochul increased the Empire State Film Tax Credit program to $800 million this year. Despite this program drawing criticism for its lack of meaningful return on investment, Governor Hochul has doubled the allocation of this program since 2023. "It is unacceptable that while families struggle, New York continues to give handouts to Hollywood elites. Only 31 cents out of every dollar spent brings anything back to New York," Walczyk declared.
Likewise, Democrats gave NYSERDA a $1 billion increase in this year's slush fund for green energy which, by their own admission, will do nothing to reduce electric bills. They also earmarked $3 billion for inflation rebate checks that will barely make a dent in the costs of everyday expenses. Senator Walczyk emphasized that Governor Hochul's policies are a significant reason why New York so heavily relies on the federal government for funding. "Gimmicky rebate checks and more grants for green energy consultants in California won't right the ship financially in New York and residents are tired of the political games played with their hard-earned money. I know it's easy - and politically expedient - for them to point the finger at Washington but come on; look in the mirror. Time for New York COGE," he concluded.