Griffo responding to Hochul’s proposed ‘Inflation’ refund: “One time payments are insufficient”

One of Governor Kathy Hochul’s first proposals for her upcoming 2025 State of the State is a first ever for New York inflation refund.

For eligible single and joint tax filers, refund checks will start going out next fall, if this is approved via the legislature.

Governor Hochul says because of inflation, New York has generated “unprecedented” revenues through sales tax, but State Senator Joe Griffo (R – C, ROME) has responded to the proposal and says a one-time payment is “insufficient.”

“New Yorkers continue to feel the effects of inflation and other economic pressures that make it difficult for them to afford necessities such as groceries, heat and housing,” the Senator said.

“Instead of insufficient one-time payments, we should look for ways to permanently reduce the costs overburdening New Yorkers, including enhancing and expanding the School Tax Relief (STAR) program and making permanent cuts to New York’s taxes and fees.”

If approved in the legislature, the Governor’s Office estimates that there will be nearly 163,000 recipients for the refund in the North Country and roughly 208,000 for the Mohawk Valley.

Read Senator Griffo's full statement below:

“New Yorkers continue to feel the effects of inflation and other economic pressures that make it difficult for them to afford necessities such as groceries, heat and housing. While I am pleased that the governor recognizes that this is a problem, I am concerned that her proposal – an attempt to win popularity because of low poll numbers – does not go far enough. People deserve a break all the time, not just one time. Instead of insufficient one-time payments, we should look for ways to permanently reduce the costs overburdening New Yorkers, including enhancing and expanding the School Tax Relief (STAR) program and making permanent cuts to New York’s taxes and fees. This approach, as opposed to political posturing, is how we can make New York more affordable now and for future generations.”

New York State Senator Joe Griffo image.