New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt Regarding Passage of the FY2026 New York State Budget
May 8, 2025
Once again, Governor Hochul and the Democrat-controlled Legislature have shown how wildly out of touch they are with the needs of hardworking New Yorkers. This $254 billion budget is packed with outrageous spending and political window dressing that sounds good in a press release but does nothing to improve the quality of life in our state.
The so-called criminal justice ‘fixes’ are toothless. The discovery and mask laws passed will continue to let violent offenders dodge accountability and walk free, putting public safety and law enforcement at risk. The MTA payroll bailout or "new business tax" could be the tipping point for companies that are already questioning whether the state’s high cost of doing business is worth it, resulting in companies fleeing to more business-friendly states.
But the most outrageous move is the creation of a taxpayer-funded slush fund to cover the private legal bills of politicians. It’s Albany corruption at its worst, giving political insiders a blank check while working families foot the bill.
This budget is not just misguided—it’s offensive. Democrats who hold all the levers of power in Albany are incapable of governing and have continued to lead our state into crisis after crisis. Make no mistake this budget is unacceptable. The Senate Republican Conference will continue fighting for common-sense reforms that will make our state safer, stronger, and more affordable.