Lawmakers, officials react to Governor Hochul’s FY 2024 State Budget proposal
ALBANY- State lawmakers and other officials are chiming in with their two-cents in the wake of Governor Kathy Hochul’s Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget address.
She presented the whopping $227-billion plan Wednesday. Although the Governor appeared optimistic during her address, numerous North Country lawmakers and other officials have begun a chorus that suggests points of criticism and questions the integrity of the budget.
“Governor Hochul’s budget proposal will absolutely decimate local governments by hijacking $1-billion of federal funds meant to help us offset Medicaid costs,” Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. said.
“This incomprehensible decision to pocket our Enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Program (eFMAP) money will cost the taxpayers of Oneida County more than $7.6 million and completely flies in the face of the intention of the Affordable Care Act. I am dismayed by this egregious act that can lead to higher property taxes and drive up the cost of homeownership and rent for our residents.”
"While there are plans in the budget we will find common ground on, including more funding for mental health services and reforming our criminal justice system, the final price tag needs to be negotiated down by the Legislature,” said Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R, C - Black River).
“Taxpayers can't keep footing the bill for these massive budgets when their return on investment over the last few years has been abysmal."
“New Yorkers want to have economic stability, peace of mind in public safety, and trust in a government to maintain fiscal responsibility,” said Senator Mark Walczyk (R, C).
“Instead, New Yorkers get a budget that will increase the cost of living all while increasing tax credits for Hollywood productions to 700 million dollars and increasing the tax cap for Broadway musicals to 300 million dollars.”
According to Governor Hochul’s Office, the FY 2024 Budget proposal reflects New York's steady finances, even as global economic trends send mixed signals.
"Governor Hochul's Executive Budget considers the needs of every New Yorker, providing both the funding and a road map to put in place lasting, meaningful solutions," said Acting Budget Director Sandra L. Beattie.
"From bold investments in affordable housing, innovative mental health services, and effective crime prevention strategies, this Executive Budget is one that will reach today's New Yorkers as well as our future generations, making New York a stronger and safer state for years to come."
See Governor’s 2024 FY State Budget proposal here.
Image via the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
