Senate Deputy Republican Leader Andrew Lanza, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt along with Members of the Senate Republican Conference have proposed a “Keep What You Have Earned” legislative package that, if passed, would deliver real tax relief to all New Yorkers.

 

One of the key proposals, S.9110 introduced by Senator Steve Rhoads, would deliver $37 billion in state income tax relief to New Yorkers, the largest middle-class tax cut in New York State history.  Over a ten year period, the proposal would eliminate state personal income tax on the first $50,000 of income for single filers and the first $100,000 for joint filers. New Yorkers that file jointly would see an estimated savings of up to $6,000 once fully phased in. This applies to all New Yorkers, not just those falling at or below a certain threshold.

 

“The average New York family is barely getting by, and that’s the main reason so many people have been fleeing this state. We lead the nation in outmigration and taxes, and that’s nothing to be proud of. Instead of ignoring these important issues and increasing taxes and state spending, the Senate Republican conference is offering a realistic approach to save New York and make life more affordable,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.

 

“New York has the highest personal income tax burden in the nation, and Albany’s lack of fiscal discipline, over-regulation, and poor policy choices have made the American Dream unaffordable for families across our state. Just the increase in state spending since 2019 has eclipsed all the revenue collected from personal income taxes, and the result is predictable: New Yorkers are leaving in record numbers, fleeing to states like Texas and Florida for lower taxes and more opportunity. One-time gimmicks like $200-$400 ‘inflation rebate checks’ do nothing to fix the problem. Our Keep What You’ve Earned legislative package flips the script. My bill delivers the largest personal income tax cut in New York history, fully exempting the first $50,000 for single filers, $75,000 for heads of household, and $100,000 for families. That’s real relief for every New Yorker, putting almost $5,000 back into the pockets of working families every year. It’s simple, fair, and long overdue. This is about putting residents back in the driver’s seat, restoring fiscal discipline to runaway state spending, and giving families the affordability and opportunity they deserve to live, work, and build a future right here in New York,” said Senator Steve Rhoads, SD 5th.

 

“New Yorkers deserve to keep what they’ve earned, and that requires tax cuts and spending discipline. Since Democrats took total control of the Legislature seven years ago, state spending has increased by $92 billion, a 54 percent surge, nearly twice the rate of inflation,” said Senator George Borrello. “When I served as County Executive under a 2 percent cap, we reduced property taxes without cutting services — even with the majority of our budget consumed by unfunded state mandates — because we controlled growth and prioritized efficiency. My legislation would bring that same discipline to the state budget. If we’re serious about lowering costs for New Yorkers, these bloated state budgets must become a thing of the past,” said Senator George Borrello, SD 57th.

“New York state leads the nation in state and local property tax burden. New York leads the nation in outmigration. We’re losing jobs, ideas, talented residents and Congressional seats because our state’s economic direction is totally unsustainable. My bill would slash property taxes for the counties that I represent by $111 million and help my constituents see a future for themselves here, not in Florida or Texas. We can’t ask fewer and fewer people to pay for more and more government,” said Senator Jake Ashby, SD 43rd.

"New York homeowners are being crushed by some of the highest property taxes in the nation. My Property Tax Freeze Credit legislation (S8489) builds on the property tax cap, freezes increases on primary residences, and delivers real relief, saving homeowners more than $2.5 billion over three years. At a time when costs keep rising and services keep declining, it’s time to put taxpayers first.” said Senator Bill Weber, SD 38th.

This proposal would provide a personal income tax cut for all New Yorkers. Any single filer making $50,000 or less and couples making $100,000 or less would no longer pay any state income tax. 

The proposal provides $37 billion in tax relief to New York residents over its 10-year implementation without having to cut funding from vital state programs as its cost would be absorbed through natural growth of the economy. 

New York State has the highest individual tax burden in the nation.

This package is part of the Senate Republican Conference’s broader 2026 legislative agenda entitled “Save New York,” a plan to improve affordability, enhance public safety, and build a stronger New York for today and future generations.

 

“New Yorkers face the highest individual tax burden in the nation, which is why our conference has put forward a comprehensive package of legislation to deliver meaningful tax relief and put more money back in the pockets of hardworking families. Affordability starts with accountability, and my bill, S.1308, adds a critical safeguard by requiring broad, bipartisan support before any new or extended tax can be imposed, ensuring relief isn’t undermined by future tax hikes pushed through without consensus,” said Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, SD 9th.

 

“We have a real opportunity to deliver for New Yorkers by lowering taxes and letting them keep more of what they earn. I hope we can work together, with my colleagues across the aisle and the Governor herself, to do the right thing,” said Senator Steve Chan, SD 17th.

 

“Making New York more affordable starts with reducing the tax burden residents and businesses face and controlling state spending. Eliminating income tax on tips and overtime combined with these other initiatives will provide much needed tax relief for families, empower workers, and help small businesses succeed,” said Senator Patrick Gallivan, SD 60th.

 

“New Yorkers are overburdened and face significant challenges due to the high cost of living in the state. Onerous taxes, along with sky-high utility rates and other rising costs, have made it more difficult for residents and families to get ahead. As a result, too many have left for better opportunities elsewhere. The 'Keep What You Have Earned' legislative package that we have proposed will help to make life easier for New Yorkers by providing much-needed relief. It will cut taxes on residents, homeowners, businesses and farms and make the state more affordable and prosperous for years to come,” said Senator Joe Griffo, SD 53rd.

 

“As New Yorkers face stagnant wages and rising costs of living, exempting tip wages and overtime pay from state income taxes is a very real way to put more cash in the pockets of employees state-wide. Cutting taxes helps everyone. These policies would have a ripple effect on every neighborhood in the state because the more money people keep in their paychecks, the more they spend in their local economies,” said Senator Jack M. Martins, SD 7th.

 

“Families across Long Island and throughout New York are feeling the pressure of rising costs every single day, from groceries and housing to childcare and energy bills.  This proposal will make sure that hardworking New Yorkers keep more of what they earn so they can better support their families and plan for the future.  By providing real tax relief for middle-class families and putting affordability front and center, the Senate Republican Conference is taking meaningful steps to make New York a place where people can stay, work, and build their lives instead of feeling forced to leave the state they grew up in,” said Senator Mario Mattera, SD 2nd.

 

“The cost of living is getting higher and higher. People are leaving the state, and we need to provide relief to stop the exodus. This tax cut would also be an incentive to the younger generation to stay and raise their families in New York,” said Senator Dean Murray, SD 3rd.

 

“New York has one of the highest combined tax burdens in the US and the worst tax climate for business of any state. To protect Upstate taxpayers and lower the high cost of living, my colleagues and I are offering real change, starting with the largest middle-class tax cut in history. Lower taxes means more money for New York families, many of whom are struggling. This bold package of tax cuts and policy reforms, including a much-needed property tax freeze, is the prescription for Albany's sky-high tax addiction and welcome relief for residents of Upstate New York. Let's get to work,” said Senator Peter Oberacker, SD 51st.

 

“It's time to cut taxes. It's time to stop making New York's state and local taxpayers foot the bill for an out-of-control state government. For far too long, New York has  been recognized as one of the highest taxed states in America and New York's taxpayers have had enough. They're sick and tired of all talk, no action on affordability and they're demanding common sense, fairness, and responsibility,” said Senator Tom O’Mara, SD 58th. 

 

“For all the talk from the governor about affordability, there’s been no action. My Senate Republican colleagues and I are proposing real relief for all New Yorkers in the form of the largest middle-class tax cut in state history. Let’s stop paying lip service to providing financial relief and deliver it,” said Senator Dan Stec, SD 45th.

 

“New Yorkers pay some of the highest taxes in the nation which is contributing to a mass exodus of people leaving our beautiful state for more affordable places to live and work. It’s time the state gives people a break!” said Senator Jim Tedisco, SD 44th.

 

“We stand at a pivotal moment for New Yorkers. Our ‘Keep What You Have Earned’ initiative is not just policy; it’s a lifeline for families who are struggling to make ends meet. By proposing the largest middle-class tax cut in our state’s history, we are putting money back into the pockets of hardworking individuals and couples. This isn't merely about tax cuts; it's about giving New Yorkers the chance to thrive, invest in their futures, and alleviate some of the burdens they face every day,” said Senator Mark Walczyk, SD 49th.

 

“It's simple, keep what you have earned, budget wisely, reinvest any money derived from new or increased taxes by using them to reduce local real property taxes (S4614 Weik).  That's how you make New York more affordable,” said Senator Alexis Weik, SD 8th.

 

New Yorkers face some of the highest costs of living in the country. By removing income taxes on the first dollars earned, this bill will help families better afford housing, childcare, and groceries, save for emergencies and retirement, and build their futures here in New York.