A Column from the Desk of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark)
The state Legislature is entering its final days of the 2025 legislative session, and like always, a lot has been left on the table. While big issues included funding for the legal \battles of elected officials and expanding tax credits for Hollywood productions that set up shop in our state, many pressing matters like affordability and public safety were left unaddressed by this state government. A number of proposals that I supported and pushed for were left on the wayside. I wanted to share with you what Albany decided was not worth its time this year. One bipartisan bill that I was happy to support was a measure that would have cut the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) fare rate in half for New York’s veterans. As the saga with the MTA and its failure to manage itself continues, the question of individual expenses is still a burden for daily commuters. One thing I’m continually looking for in this mire of an organization is consideration for those who have given this state and nation their all. Bill number A.95 would have directed the MTA to develop a half-rate fare program for our state’s veterans, but it’s been stuck in legislative committee since January. Another bill my Republican colleagues and I were excited to support was a “college to work” program, an initiative designed to entice people to study in the state and work or establish businesses here after they graduate. A tax credit would be created for business owners that pay for an employee’s higher education tuition in exchange for that student’s commitment to work a set number of years in New York. As this state continues to face an outmigration crisis and is desperate to entice young, enthusiastic and hardworking people, my colleagues and I believed bill number A.175 would have been a slam dunk. Sadly, not a single Democrat joined in sponsoring the bill with us, and this bill has also been stuck in committee since January. Yet another measure my Republican colleagues and I were pushing for was A.2261, a bill that would have overturned a 2017 executive order from the governor’s office that barred state agencies and officers from cooperating fully with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This bill would have effectively brought an end to New York’s sanctuary state status and allowed federal officials to properly investigate instances where illegal immigration is rampant, particularly in cases where illegal immigrants are committing additional crimes while here. Unsurprisingly, the New York Democrat majority has kept this bill in committee since January. The fact that these bills are held hostage by this supermajority doesn’t deter me from fighting for these victories. New York has a roadmap to common sense, and I’ve previously offered numerous bills that this state could adopt to make life better for us all here. I love New York, it’s true, and I’ll continue to fight for policies that will improve the lives of the people here. 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. For more information, please visit his Official Website.
