A Column from the Desk of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark)
It’s now well over a month past the deadline for the state budget, and it’s time we call this out for what it is: an absolute disgrace. The delayed budget and dysfunction from Albany Democrats is a slap in the face to every taxpayer in New York state. As your voice in Albany, I’ve always fought to make New York more affordable for the families who call this state home. That’s why I sponsored the Affordable NY Act, a bill specifically designed to provide tax relief to middle-class and property taxpayers in New York. The bill doubles the STAR exemption and lowers income tax rates—giving working families the break they so desperately need. Yet, with every passing day that the budget remains unresolved, we’re seeing a growing disconnect between what we need as a state and what our leadership in Albany is willing to prioritize. For example, the $68 billion in funding earmarked for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is troubling. For years, the MTA has struggled with inefficiency and mismanagement. The more money they get, the worse service becomes. Instead of pouring more taxpayer dollars into an agency that’s plagued with issues, I believe we should be demanding real accountability. That’s why I support a forensic audit of the MTA to identify where the money is going and to ensure that we’re getting real value for every dollar spent. Another issue with the budget are the so-called “inflation refund checks” that have been touted by Gov. Hochul. These checks in the low hundreds of dollars—are being presented as a solution to help struggling New Yorkers cope with rising prices. The reality is these small, one-time payments don’t even come close to addressing the real issues. They’re a political stunt designed to fool voters into thinking Albany is doing something meaningful. In fact, these checks only make matters worse. Instead of providing long-term relief, they offer a quick fix that does nothing to lower the cost of living or ease the financial burden on working families. The budget is late, it’s wasteful and it’s not in the best interests of New Yorkers. We deserve better. I will continue to fight for policies that make New York a place where families can thrive, and that means we must keep pushing for real change and stand up for taxpayers. Let’s demand an end to the budget delays and enact real policies to help make our state affordable for hard-working families. Assemblyman Brabenec represents the 98th District, which includes the city of Port Jervis, the towns of Deerpark, Greenville, Mount Hope, Wawayanda, Minisink, Warwick, Tuxedo and portions of the towns of Monroe and Ramapo.
