Senator Gallivan Issues Statement on Adopted State Budget

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C, Elma) issued the following statement:

"The State Legislature has adopted a $254 billion dollar budget, which dramatically increases spending and makes New York less affordable.

The final votes came more than 5 weeks after the deadline, and while I support funding for vital programs like education, health care, and transportation, I am concerned about the $12 billion in new spending. Taxpayers cannot afford this budget. New York is already among the most expensive places to live and raise a family. This budget does little to ease the financial burden residents face.

It also advances the state’s costly climate mandates. Protecting our environment is important, but we must develop a more realistic, sustainable, and affordable clean energy plan. Residents and businesses cannot afford such harsh mandates associated with unachievable goals.   

I am also disappointed that efforts to fix recent changes to our criminal justice laws, including discovery and cashless bail, fall short of what is needed to better ensure public safety and to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens. The budget also allows for the closing of up to three state correctional facilities and does not do enough to address the crisis inside our prisons.

In the end, I voted against this budget because it spends too much and contains too many misguided programs. I will continue to fight for responsible spending and common-sense initiatives that will make New York more affordable, safer, and stronger.” 

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