Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered her third State of the State Address [on Jan. 9], offering some broad policy proposals for 2024. Like years past, the governor’s presentation to the joint session of the New York Legislature was light on specifics. However, within the budget address [the following week] New Yorkers [were provided] specific details on the administration’s priorities and what it’s going to take to implement them.
Much like Republicans have said for years, the governor made a point to recognize the need for Albany lawmakers to tackle crime, affordability, and historic outmigration. While it was good to hear the governor acknowledge them, these problems require comprehensive policy solutions and cooperation between individuals of every region, party, and level of government. I am hopeful that in the coming days and weeks we will hear more about a comprehensive strategy to bring these groups together to tackle these glaring problems.
New York State has a $4 billion budget gap. Democrats have increased state spending by $60 billion in the last five years — a whopping 41 percent jump. But there was no commitment to keep spending in check.
We heard about challenges facing middle-class families and businesses, but not much about reducing the taxes and regulatory burdens holding them down. We heard people are riding the subway again but heard nothing about judges being allowed to keep the dangerous criminals in jail using common-sense bail policies that scared riders off in the first place. These are the issues New Yorkers are talking about as they balance their checkbooks and plan their monthly budgets; they deserve a well-crafted, holistic plan to address them. Again, I hope one is coming soon.
I was pleased to hear the governor call for improved mental-health services; they are too often overlooked, especially now as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Strengthening our mental-health care will help reduce homelessness, crime and poverty, each of which impacts every part of our society and economy. Mental-health care is a fundamental need, and the Assembly Minority Conference is eager to work with the governor to build on the efforts we started with two of our major task-force initiatives dealing with school safety and veterans.
William (Will) A. Barclay, 54, Republican, is the New York Assembly minority leader and represents the 120th New York Assembly District, which encompasses all of Oswego County, as well as parts of Jefferson and Cayuga counties.