Stefanik, GOP Leaders Slam NY Budget as Rochester Democrats Defend Local Wins
- Dave McCleary
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik joined New York Republican legislative leaders Monday in Albany to criticize Democratic leadership and the state’s recently enacted $254 billion budget, calling it a “radical” and “reckless” plan that worsens the state's affordability and public safety crises.
Speaking alongside Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay, Stefanik said New Yorkers are being burdened by single-party Democratic control that prioritizes political allies over taxpayers.
“Kathy Hochul and far-left New York Democrats have once again put New York LAST,” said Stefanik, the House Republican Conference Chair. “This budget is anti-worker, anti-family, anti-farm, anti-small business, and anti-law enforcement.”
Ortt and Barclay echoed her concerns, blasting the budget for increased spending, energy costs, and what they described as inadequate public safety measures. They also denounced a $10 million allocation to cover legal expenses for state Attorney General Letitia James, calling it a “slush fund” for political protection.
While Democratic leaders did not respond directly to Monday’s remarks, members of Rochester’s Democratic delegation held a separate press event in May to highlight what they called historic investments for Monroe County and the Finger Lakes region.
State Senator Jeremy Cooney, Assemblymembers Harry Bronson, Jen Lunsford, Sarah Clark, Demond Meeks, and others celebrated funding for education, housing, infrastructure, and health care, including a $59.6 million investment to modernize the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
“This year’s New York State budget is an investment in a more affordable, equitable New York,” said Assemblymember Bronson. “We’re building a stronger middle class, championing workforce development, and investing in a robust economy centered around the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
Included in what democrats called historic investments in the middle class are:
A 2% increase in Foundation Aid for schools
$15 million for Monroe County’s Transformational Community Care Coordination Project
$3 million for the Monroe County Ladder Demonstration Project
Expansion of the Empire State Child Tax Credit and Working Families Tax Credit
$6.9 million in road funding through the CHIPS program
Housing vouchers to address homelessness
Reforms to Discovery laws and the establishment of an Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Mayor Malik Evans and Monroe County Executive Adam Bello joined the delegation in praising the budget’s benefits for local residents.
“Once again, Governor Hochul and Rochester’s Legislative Delegation have delivered a state budget that provides the critical resources that empower the people of Rochester to do more than survive but actually thrive,” Evans said.
While Republicans decry the budget as bloated and mismanaged, Democrats argue it provides targeted relief amid federal uncertainty, including inflation rebate checks, child care investments, and support for public health and aging services.
The legislative session is scheduled to conclude later this week.
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