Assemblyman Keith P. Brown (R,C-Northport) joined Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski), Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks), Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square), Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden), members of the Assembly and Senate Minority Conferences and a leading economist to discuss New York state’s current economic standing and future at a press conference in Albany on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Jonathan Williams, president and chief economist of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) attended and spoke at the press conference to talk about the findings of the 2025 Rich States, Poor State: ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index, which he has co-authored for more than 18 years.

State lawmakers’ and financial experts’ mission at the press conference was to highlight the significance of Tax Day, pinpoint New York state’s current economic status among the 50 U.S. states and discuss how our state can improve its economic outlook to ensure future generations of New Yorkers can afford to remain in state.

“New York taxpayers are voting with their feet—New York state is not affordable, and the state budget fails to deliver year after year,” said Brown. “Each year, when Tax Day comes around—the day when most personal income tax filings are due both state- and nationwide—it is a time of immense stress for families and businesses struggling to keep up with rising inflation rates and tax increases.”

“To ease the burden on New York taxpayers, this year’s state budget needs to reflect their financial needs to ensure they can afford to remain in state. I will continue to work alongside my colleagues to speak up for New York taxpayers, negotiate a final budget that reins in out-of-control spending and improve New York’s economic performance and outlook among the 50 U.S. states.”