Today, every New York State Senate Democrat voted against a common sense proposal that would provide immediate relief from skyrocketing utility bills in the midst of the affordability crisis faced by every New Yorker. 

 

The bill, offered as an amendment on the floor by Senator Mark Walczyk, would have ensured New Yorkers are able to keep more of their hard-earned money as they struggle with high costs of living and increased energy costs. The bill would have:

 

> Allow unspent funds in NYSERDA’s Climate Investment Account to be returned directly to ratepayers. At a time when New Yorkers are having trouble paying their skyrocketing utility bills, there is $2 billion that could be returned to ratepayers as credit on utility bills. (S.8461, Senator O’Mara)

 

“Your offices, our offices, the Governor’s office – are all getting calls about New Yorkers high energy bills. There is no compelling rationale to let these funds remain unused when they can be applied to immediately provide relief and lessen the burden on New Yorkers who are struggling to pay their skyrocketing utility bills. We can do something about energy prices in New York State – right now, today.  Let’s pass this amendment, let’s lower people’s energy bills today,” said Senator Mark Walczyk.

 

When given the opportunity to provide true relief and savings to New Yorkers who continue to be hammered with increased utility bills, every single Senate Democrat unanimously said “no” and struck down the bill.