By Will Barclay
Assembly Democrats’ $245.8 billion one-house budget plan isn’t just a wish-list, it’s a pipe dream. Adding $13 billion in spending to the governor’s Executive Budget demonstrates how out-of-touch they are with New York’s financial realities.
There is no need to raise taxes of any kind. Every legislative conference – from both sides of the aisle – agrees that state revenues are coming in ahead of projections. But true to form, Democrats are seeking $3.5 billion in new tax hikes over the next two years.
There are some measures in the one-house resolution that should be part of the budget final agreement, including: restoration of the “hold harmless” provision in education funding; price relief on oral hygiene products and school supplies; and reducing onerous childcare costs.
But make no mistake: raising taxes and increasing spending is a recipe for disaster. Asking New Yorkers to subsidize a $245.8 billion budget abandons any sense of fiscal prudence. I hope over the course of negotiations, some level of common sense is restored. What we see in the Assembly one-house proposal will do nothing but exacerbate problems like outmigration and affordability. The final 2024 State Budget should attempt to achieve the exact opposite.
Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) is the Assembly Minority Leader.