Assemblyman Blankenbush blasts New York Assembly version of State Budget

ALBANY, NY- New York’s April 1 budget deadline is looming and one North Country lawmaker is blasting the Assembly’s proposed version.

“Families and small businesses across the North Country and Mohawk Valley are being crushed by rising energy bills, higher taxes and the cost of everyday living, yet the Assembly Majority’s answer is the same as always: spend more money and ignore the policies that caused the crisis in the first place,” said Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (117 – Black River).

As it was unveiled earlier this winter, the 2027 Fiscal Year New York State Budget rings in at $260 billion, with over $4 billion of that being dedicated to child care.

According to the Governor’s Office, the proposed budget also provides the highest level of state aid to schools in New York’s history, while also tackling other initiatives, including no taxes on tipped wages, crime prevention efforts and protecting access to healthcare.

“While Washington tries to break our budget, we are making smart investments, protecting taxpayers and committing to delivering the services New Yorkers need most,” Governor Hochul said in January.

Governor Hochul says she has prioritized maintaining the State’s reserves, which are currently at $14.6 billion for an unexpected downturn or “rainy day.”

New York State Capitol image.