By Will Barclay
As a concept, “affordability” has become a popular buzzword for policymakers. Everyone says they want to deliver it for their constituents — especially now as the 2026 Legislative Session has officially begun — which is unsurprising, as it would seem silly to indicate anything else. The reality for New Yorkers isn’t matching the rhetoric. Life here remains, quite simply, unaffordable, and there is little evidence meaningful steps are being taken to do anything about it. The Assembly Minority Conference stands ready to make this fight a priority.
The facts surrounding New York’s dismal economic outlook are undeniable, nonpartisan and deeply unsettling. New York state ranks 45th nationally for affordability, and overall costs have increased by 18% since Gov. Kathy Hochul took office. In the last five years, state government spending has increased by $81 billion. Residential electricity costs, which show no signs of returning to normal under the state’s unworkable energy plan, are 49% higher than the national average.
The figures help contextualize the issue, but everyday New Yorkers are already too familiar with the financial pressures unique to the Empire State. Our Conference recently launched a new website full of information, legislative proposals and reports to address the cost of living in New York, along with other policy deficiencies. Among the legislation I have sponsored to address affordability in New York are:
- Eliminate sales tax on dozens of everyday items for two years, including gasoline, personal care products, housekeeping supplies and prepared foods (A.7417)
- Cap state spending to the average rate of inflation of the three previous calendar years and increase the maximum capacity of the rainy day fund (A.7530)
- Establish a division to review and make binding recommendations for the elimination of burdensome regulations and implement a requirement mandating agencies identify two existing rules for elimination when proposing a new rule (A.5582)
- Expand the value of the Earned Income Tax Credit from 30% to 45% of the federal amount (A.5661)
- Eliminate the state sales, compensating use and excise taxes on mobile telecommunications services. Also, authorize local governments to eliminate their sales and compensating use taxes on mobile telecommunications (A.9204)
In a few days, the governor will give her State of the State address. While I am certain there will be a lot of talk about reversing these trends, it will be her actions I am concerned with. This is hardly the first chance she has had to do something about the cost of living in New York. I sincerely hope this time she does.
Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) is the Assembly Minority Leader.