Senator Fahy's 2026 Constituent Survey

2026 Constituent Survey text over hand with a clipboard and survey

As we approach the 2026 budget process and legislative session, it is helpful for me to hear from you on policies and legislation affecting you and the communities of the 46th Senate District. Your perspective on the complex issues facing our state and nation helps inform my work and prioritize what matters most to our constituency.

Please take the brief 3 to 5-minute survey below to provide your feedback. Your personal information is confidential and will not be shared. You must also be a constituent of the 46th Senate District to participate.

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1. Please choose up to three of the following issues that matter most to you as they relate to funding programs in next year’s state budget and legislative session:
2. Should New York State use its tax dollars to replace federal cuts in programs such as SNAP food benefits, HEAP (home energy assistance), student loans, housing cuts, etc.?
3. Starting in 2026, newly constructed buildings in New York State that are seven stories or less must use renewable energy sources. This will also apply to larger commercial buildings with 100,000 square feet or more of conditioned floor area (bigger businesses) due to the implementation of the All-Electric Buildings Act. Some industries, like restaurants, hospitals and doctors’ offices, factories, and agricultural buildings, will be automatically exempt from these requirements. Existing buildings will not be impacted by these new requirements, even if they’re being repaired or renovated. Do you support the implementation of this legislation?
4. In response to youth violence we saw over the summer involving the use of flare guns, I have introduced legislation to raise the age of purchasing a flare gun to 21 statewide (S.8455 Fahy/A.8920 Romero) and to add it to the list of weapons that, when possessed with intent to use unlawfully against another, constitute a criminal offense: Criminal Possession of a Weapon (S.8460 Fahy). Furthermore, while gun violence rates continue to drop, it remains a persistent issue in our communities, which is why I support funding for gun violence prevention programming in our state budget. Are you supportive of these pieces of legislation and increasing funding for prevention programs like SNUG and GIVE?
5. Many families struggle to afford the full cost of childcare, and access to childcare programs remains a massive barrier for working families raising young children. There are several proposals aimed at expanding existing child care programs, creating new ones, and increasing funding for providers. Are you supportive of raising taxes on the income of multi-millionaires, billionaires, corporations, and taxing the assets of the ultra-wealthy to establish a universal childcare system in New York State that seeks to fill access gaps and address cost?
6. I sponsor legislation (S.1613A Fahy/A.5918 Romero, McDonald) to require the state to first, create a master plan for the use of the Harriman Campus, and second, to set aside 7 acres for mixed-use commercial, retail, and housing space as part of the revitalization of the Harriman State Office Campus and $1.7 billion Wadsworth Labs consolidation and upgrade project. Ideally, this would induce more private sector and small businesses located on the campus. Are you supportive of this legislation and efforts to revitalize the Harriman Campus to better integrate it with the City of Albany?
7. As part of a national push, New York State may consider legislation that would allow for mid-cycle redistricting during this upcoming legislative session. Voters, however, also approved a constitutional amendment that requires redistricting in New York to be done by a bipartisan Independent Redistricting Commission. While this could ultimately change the makeup of New York’s current Congressional delegation, it would help ensure fair representation in Congress as other states also pursue mid-cycle redistricting. Would you be supportive of New York attempting mid-cycle redistricting as part of this year’s legislative session?
8. This year, New York State implemented free community college for those aged 25-55 in high-demand fields and industries. So far, the program has been successful in boosting enrollment and allowing individuals to access a higher education, regardless of cost. Are you supportive of expanding funding for this program, continuing to invest in free community college, and ensuring four-year colleges/universities are affordable?
9. New York has lost population in the last few years, while personal income tax increased for individuals making more than $1 million, and taxes increased on corporations whose business income was more than $5 million. Are you supportive of raising taxes on the income of multi-millionaires, billionaires, corporations, and taxing the assets of the ultra-wealthy to boost revenue for state programs?
10. New York State has continued to reduce middle-class income taxes in recent years in the state budget, and the middle-class tax rate is now at its lowest in more than 70 years. Do you believe New York should continue to cut middle-class income taxes in this year’s state budget and, additionally, focus on reigning in property taxes?
10a. New York property tax rates are among the highest nationwide, with the state often ranking in the top ten highest for per capita property taxes. Should New York State focus on reigning in property taxes in this year’s state budget?
11. Legislation known as ‘New York For All’ would prevent state and local agencies from cooperating with federal immigration authorities like ICE and prohibit them from using state and local resources for federal immigration enforcement. Legal migrants and asylum seekers are currently facing arbitrary detentions and deportations, creating barriers to integration in our workforce and our broader society. Once they are authorized to work and secure employment, they will pay New York State taxes, become more self-sufficient, and further integrate into our communities. Opponents contend that local law enforcement resources should be utilized to enforce federal immigration laws. Are you supportive of this legislation to protect immigrant communities in New York State?
12. In response to the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, I have introduced legislation that would prohibit the masking of ICE agents during civil immigration enforcement (with limited exceptions) (S.8462/A.8908) and legislation to end jet fuel subsidies for airlines that participate in unconstitutional immigration removals (S.7960 Fahy/A.8188 Solages). Are you supportive of these pieces of legislation to restore the rule of law and uphold the rights of individuals provided by the U.S. Constitution?
13. To address the growing affordability crisis, I sponsor legislation (S.4425 Fahy/A.6000 Simon) that would expand New York’s earned income tax credit (EITC) to include more New Yorkers and raise tax credit amounts to incentivize work. In addition to expanding NY’s EITC eligibility by raising income phase-out limits, this bill also expands eligibility for the credit to those who do not have children, those aged 18-24, and those who file income taxes without a Social Security Number. The phase-out start point would grow from $8,790 to $24,960 (annual income) for childless adults and single parents, and from $14,680 to $29,960 for joint filers. This bill also raises the total value of NY's EITC from 30% to 40% of the federal EITC. Do you support this expansion of New York’s EITC?
14. As Chair of the Senate Disabilities Committee, I’m committed to building a New York State where every person can thrive, regardless of their ability. Last year, we were successful in securing a 2.7% inflationary increase and $850 million in new funding for human service workers, Direct Support Professionals’ (DSPs) wages, and their providers, but problems with access to care and low wages persist throughout our care system. Are you supportive of going beyond the 2.7% increase to increase support for our disability care system, providers, and DSPs?
15. Proposed legislation known as New York Health Act (NYHA) would create a public single-payer system in place of commercial insurance with no health costs to consumers relating to premiums, deductibles, or co-payments for health and long-term care. It would be replaced by a graduated income and payroll tax increase on non-payroll investment income (capital gains and dividends) to pay for costs associated with a transition. The total cost of the NYHA has been estimated at $139 billion a year, a federal waiver would be needed to use federal funds for a single payer plan. Should New York move toward a single-payer, public universal healthcare system as laid out under the NY Health Act?
16. The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (S1464 Harckham/A.1749 Glick) (known as extended producer responsibility or “EPR”) would require producers of consumer packaging and paper products to pay to recycle these materials. Producers would be prohibited from selling or distributing any covered materials in New York unless they have an approved producer responsibility plan. The program will also create a funding mechanism to help offset the costs of the program or the cost of a municipality for participating in the program, and incentivize product designs that reduce waste, increase the recyclability of the product, and remove toxins in packaging. Are you supportive of this legislation?
17. Environmentalists are pushing for an expansion of New York State’s ‘Bottle Bill’ in the 2026 legislative session. This would raise the 5-cent bottle deposit and return fee to 10 cents and make other glass containers eligible in a bid to encourage more recycling. Do you support increasing the state bottle deposit to 10 cents?
18. The world of media has changed rapidly in just the past few decades. Today, what is your primary source for reading the news or receiving information? Please choose just one.