Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C, Elma) says he is encouraged by a new statewide effort to streamline government by identifying and eliminating outdated and burdensome regulations, policies, and practices. Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced EXPRESS NY, Expediting Processes and Regulations to Enable Streamlined Services, which is intended to cut red tape and make it easier, faster, and more affordable to deliver services that New Yorkers need.

Senator Gallivan says the initiative is similar to a coalition he helped lead in 2014 that identified more than 2,200 specific rules, regulations and practices that put New York’s businesses at a competitive disadvantage.

“Efforts to reform New York’s burdensome regulatory system are not new,” said Senator Gallivan. “While some progress has been made to eliminate arbitrary, duplicative, and outdated rules and mandates, more must be done to streamline government, cut costs for businesses, and improve services for all New Yorkers. I am encouraged to see this issue is being re-visited by the current administration.”

The 2014 report issued by a Senate Majority Coalition was the product of surveys, meetings, community outreach, and input from over one hundred business owners, advocacy organizations, and individuals that participated in a series of public forums held throughout the state. Senator Gallivan says he will share the report’s finding with the governor’s office.

As part of EXPRESS NY, Governor Hochul wants to hear from New Yorkers on their ideas for cutting red tape and making government work better. Specific areas of focus include recommendations that will:

Speed up housing & infrastructure development by addressing obstacles that slow down the construction of affordable housing and other infrastructure residents depend on, including transportation, childcare, parks, community centers and more.

Support small businesses by tackling burdensome requirements and fees that make it difficult for businesses to succeed.

Streamline access to services by simplifying complicated processes or remove unnecessary hurdles that prevent families from accessing benefits and services, such as health care, childcare, nutrition, and mental health.

Senator Gallivan encourages New Yorkers to submit ideas for reform in a new portal the state has launched. The call for submissions is open until April 3, 2026.

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