North Country Senator Mark Walczyk issues statements in wake of FY 2026 New York budget agreement

ALBANY, NY- The office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced an agreement this week concerning the FY 2026 State Budget, which rings-in at a whopping $254 billion, a $17 billion increase from last-year.

In a statement released from her office, Governor Hochul says the budget is “balanced” and “fiscally responsible.”

On the other hand, lawmakers who represent the North County seem to have a different take, including Senator Mark Walczyk. “One thing we do know, even if there's rebate gimmicks included, spending and taxes are going up and it's New Yorkers who are going to pay the price," the Senator said in a released statement.

Read the senator's full statement below:

"Governor Hochul's announcement of a 'general agreement' on a $254 billion state budget is a whopping $17 billion increase over last year. I've seen no language and 'three Democrats in a room' have been avoiding transparency promises and good government practices, negotiating away from public scrutiny for months now. One thing we do know, even if there's rebate gimmicks included, spending and taxes are going up and it's New Yorkers who are going to pay the price."

For context, both chambers of the legislature are still tasked with enacting the budget bills over the coming days.

Senator Walczyk has been an outspoken critic of the inflation refund checks, which has been included with the budget and is designed to provide direct cash assistance to more than 8 million New Yorkers, featuring checks of up to $400 per-family.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the budget feature a $1 billion tax cut for middle class and low income New Yorkers, a move which Governor Hochul says will bring tax rates to their lowest levels in nearly seven decades.

Check out our original coverage for a broad list of budget highlights.

Senator Mark Walczyk image.