POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (February 17, 2026) – At last week’s local government budget hearing, Senator Rob Rolison questioned New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on whether he would lower his tax hike proposal to the State Legislature, based on savings and additional revenue in this year's proposed New York City Budget. 

After doubling down on his planned tax hike in response to Senator Rolison’s questioning, yesterday Governor Kathy Hochul announced $1.5 billion in additional state funding for the City. Governor Hochul’s funding package includes $1 billion in the current fiscal year and $510 million in the next, aimed at helping the city cover costs shifted from the state to the city and other budget pressures.

“My line of questioning in Albany wasn’t just procedural,” said Senator Rolison. “It revealed that the mayor wants more money but still refuses to change course. New Yorkers deserve leadership that prioritizes fiscal responsibility, not endless tax hikes and last-minute bailouts.”

Senator Rolison emphasizes that future state funding should be contingent on real budget reforms and on city leadership's willingness to prioritize fiscal responsibility.