Griffo statement on State Budget

Joseph A. Griffo

May 28, 2026

“This budget, passed eight weeks late, fails to address New York's critical issues of affordability, public safety, and economic concerns, doubles down on problematic sanctuary policies and restricts the rights of law-abiding New Yorkers.
 
The governor and legislative majorities had a real opportunity to show New Yorkers that they are serious about addressing the high cost of living in our state by embracing meaningful, long-term relief – something for which I have advocated and offered proposals. Instead, New Yorkers will get an election year rebate check to help cover the cost of their gas and electric bills. This is not enough. People deserve a break all the time, not just one time.
 
Additionally, I continue to be concerned with the level of unsustainable spending that we have seen in New York over the last several years due to one-party control of state government. This year’s massive state budget – totaling a record $268 billion - is 55% larger than it was in 2018 under divided government.
 
There are aspects of the budget I support, including pension reform, delaying the electric school bus mandate, eliminating income taxes on tipped wages and investments in education, higher education, mental health services, libraries, and infrastructure improvements.
 
However, there is still much work to be done. For instance, while I am pleased that the electric school bus mandate has been pushed back five years, I believe that we should have gone further and fully repealed this unrealistic and unaffordable mandate that has created challenges for school districts across the state.
 
The reality is that too many residents and businesses are leaving New York due to one-party control of state government. This budget does not help matters.
Under the leadership of the governor and legislative majorities, we have seen higher taxes and energy costs, more spending, flawed policies, onerous mandates and regulations, a lack of economic opportunity and public safety concerns.
 
This is not how we stop this mass exodus.
 
I have continued to introduce, support and advocate for policies, legislation and proposals that will reverse this troubling population loss. We need to lessen the tax burden on taxpayers, cut crippling energy costs, reduce onerous regulations on businesses, enhance public safety and make sure that schools, families and communities have the resources they need to grow and thrive.”
 
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