ALBANY, N.Y. – Senator Patricia Fahy (D—Albany) released the following statement today following Governor Hochul’s release of the FY2027 Executive State Budget Proposal:

“This year’s $260 million budget proposal is a disciplined and smart starting point for addressing the issues that are top of mind for New Yorkers, their families, and Capital Region residents: the affordability, cost of living, and housing crises.

I’m heartened to see a plan for truly universal and free childcare for every family that needs it, at a time when Capital Region families are paying more than $20,000/year for quality childcare. I’m also pleased to see we are maintaining the lowest middle-class tax rate in almost 70 years at a time when families and workers are struggling.

I’m particularly excited by the expansion of New York’s free community college program to include more industries, strong safeguards for ratepayers against future rate hikes, and an infusion of $250 million to aggressively build affordable housing in communities like Albany and Amsterdam.

On a local front, investments in Upstate public transit, CDTA, $30 million for farmers to absorb and manage the cost of tariffs, and the state’s CHIPS program will improve our roads and bridges across Albany, Schenectady, and Montgomery Counties, and create good-paying jobs.

As the Chair of the Disabilities Committee, I’m pleased to see a targeted inflationary increase of 1.7% for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and providers. We can, however, go further and holistically ensure that our disability care system is fully comprehensive and accessible for the New Yorkers living with disabilities and their families who rely on it, by securing a full 2.7% increase this year.

I look forward to working with the Governor and my legislative colleagues to craft a final budget that delivers real relief for New Yorkers, invests in the Capital Region, and puts our children and families first.”

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