"Builders can't sell overpriced houses that people don't want to buy in the first place. It already costs between $200 and $350 per square foot to build a new home in this state, way above the national average. The 2025 energy code, which includes the all-Electric Buildings mandate, would only increase the cost of building homes, further putting the dream of homeownership out of reach for so many New Yorkers. This amendment that I offer today allows this chamber to take a real and meaningful step towards lowering the cost of homes in this state. Builders need to know that we're providing regulatory certainty and cost-effective solutions. The average first time homebuyers are now over 40 years old. CNY builder recently told me at a roundtable that new homes in New York are a luxury item. If that's true. You've made too many mistakes in this chamber, and I ask that you join me in fixing just a couple of those egregious mistakes that have been made recently," said Senator Mark Walczyk.