By Keith Brown
From my first one-house budget proposal in 2021, which was $208.3 billion, spending in our state has increased by more than $48 billion — approximately 26%. The Assembly one-house budget proposal for the 2025-26 fiscal year is the largest budget proposal our state has ever seen at $256.5 billion. Despite its massive size, the proposal for this year is grossly inefficient and is just another example of extreme Democrat overspending in our state.
While drugged driving continues to take more lives statewide, Assembly Bill A.3981, which aims to update New York state’s laws to get individuals with substance use disorder into treatment and keep drivers safe on the road, was not included in the proposal. While the Village of Northport continues to apply for grants to fund much-needed dredging projects in the area to keep Long Island’s waterways clean and well-maintained, state funding to support these efforts was not included in the proposal.
Our constituents on Long Island and throughout New York State deserve better than this. The Assembly one-house budget as it stands is unsustainable and highlights New York state’s out-of-control spending problems. We must work to make our state government more efficient so it can meet the needs of all New Yorkers. To properly address constituent needs and continue to build a smarter, safer and cleaner state for all, I will continue to speak up for New Yorkers and fight wasteful spending that does nothing to improve their quality of life.”
Assemblyman Keith P. Brown (R.C-Northport) represents the 12th Assembly District, which includes parts of Suffolk County, encompassing the vibrant towns of Huntington, Babylon and Islip.