As we begin a new legislative year, I return to Albany with a renewed focus, energy and optimism. I always believe our best days are ahead of us, and with the right mindset, we can deliver a state government that works for us all.

To no surprise, New York is still grappling with an affordability crisis. From everyday goods and services to the cost of housing, soaring utility bills, health insurance and property taxes, we are facing the most severe affordability crisis we have seen in more than two decades. Formerly proud New Yorkers are now tired and frustrated, opting to relocate to neighboring states. In fact, more New Yorkers made the decision to relocate than any other state in the nation, which has shifted the tax burden onto those of us who continue to stay.

During the governor’s State of the State Address on Tuesday, not once did she mention a solid plan to address this escalating crisis. She did offer a revised plan from her failed Housing Compact, which tried to take away local control of zoning decisions and mandate high-density housing projects in the Hudson Valley. Thankfully, a bipartisan coalition of local and state officials defeated this proposal but the question of, “Now what?” must be answered.

Hudson Valley families are tired of Albany talk and want to see real meaningful reforms that will ease the ongoing affordability crisis. That is why I have taken the initiative to introduce legislation that will help alleviate the crushing property tax burden our residents continue to grapple with beginning with our retirees. Currently, the limit on retirement tax exemptions is $20,000, and that was set back in 1981 and hasn’t been increased since. That amount does not suffice in today’s economy with the rising costs of living and inflation. Neighboring states like New Jersey have increased the same tax exemption to $100,000 while their cost of living is arguably lower. I have authored legislation (A.7973) that will recalibrate the retirement tax exemption by bringing it in line with neighboring states while alleviating an archaic tax on our seniors.

The affordability crisis also impacts our young families, specifically those trying to figure out how to pay for child care. Let’s be clear, the pandemic proved child care is an essential service that keeps our economy moving. However, the cost of child care is equivalent to a second mortgage payment in many cases. A driving factor in the sky-high cost for child care is the property tax burden these businesses face. Other states, like Texas, are solving this problem by authorizing property tax exemptions to childcare facilities that will instantly reduce the costs being passed onto our families. In Texas, child care facilities are now eligible for property tax breaks, and I have authored and introduced legislation for New York state to allow for the same.

The business community also needs Albany to take meaningful action focused on the affordability crisis that will reduce the costs of goods in our communities. During the pandemic, New York state borrowed billions of dollars from the federal government to pay for the explosion of unemployment benefit requests. As part of the borrowing, the federal government levied interest at 2.28%, which New York State failed to account for. As a result, New York state currently owes $7.2 billion to the federal government, which Albany has passed onto businesses across New York state to pay. I am proud to sponsor A.2982, which would suspend the interest assessment surcharge that equates to a tax on New York state’s businesses because of Albany’s mismanagement.

As we return to Albany, we must address these pressing issues with the same renewed focus, energy and optimism that our constituents deserve. It is time for our government leaders to put New Yorkers first—because we simply cannot afford government as usual.