Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and Members of the Senate Republican Conference today unveiled “An Affordable New York,” a comprehensive report including legislative recommendations to ease the high cost of living for New Yorkers. The report is the result of a series of roundtable discussions held by the Senate Republican Conference throughout New York that focused on the key areas driving New York’s affordability crisis. 

 

During the roundtables, the Senators heard from stakeholders and community organizations about a variety of issues including taxes and regulations, energy and utility costs, childcare, housing, insurance, transportation and commuting costs, and the cost of food and groceries. Participants emphasized that while each of these components present affordability challenges on their own, together they form an unsustainable climate that makes the cost of living increasingly unaffordable for New Yorkers. 

 

“Over the past few months, members of the Senate Republican Conference heard first hand from community members, business owners, and other stakeholders from across the state - and one thing is abundantly clear: New Yorkers are facing an unsustainable affordability crisis, and we continue to lose residents and businesses because of it. Despite Albany Democrats catching on to this buzzword, they continue to increase state spending, discuss raising taxes, and do nothing for business owners, all of which will only exacerbate affordability issues. I want to thank my colleagues for leading these discussions throughout the state, and those who joined us to provide valuable insight. I urge my colleagues across the aisle to take up our Save New York legislative agenda this session, our constituents are depending on it,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. 

 

“New Yorkers are working harder than ever, but Albany Democrats are making life more expensive and more complicated. From rising taxes and utility bills to increasing health care premiums, people across our state feel like they’re falling further behind despite doing everything right. Seniors, working families, farmers, and small business owners all want the same thing: to keep more of what they earn and have confidence they can afford to live and stay in New York. While others are talking about affordability, I am advancing it. I have introduced legislation and support reforms that would drive down taxes, reduce the cost of housing, utilities, and health care premiums, and eliminate the red tape and unfunded mandates that push costs onto everyday New Yorkers. My focus is on delivering real relief, restoring accountability, and making sure government works for the people who pay the bills,” said Senator Pam Helming, Chair of the Minority Conference, SD 54th.

“As President Reagan once said, ‘you can’t be for big government, big taxes and big bureaucracy and still be for the little guy.’  Kathy Hochul and Albany Democrats continue to pursue an agenda that punishes success and stifles economic growth with high taxes, over regulation and runaway spending – putting the American Dream out of reach for the average New Yorker.   It’s why New York loses a resident to another state every 2 minutes and 23 seconds.  Affordability should be more than a Governor’s poll-tested punch line.  That’s why the Senate Republican Conference is offering a comprehensive package of legislation that will cut energy, housing and child care costs; slash regulations; make our communities more secure and deliver the largest personal income tax cut in the history of New York State.  It’s an agenda focused on real affordability and solutions that will Save New York – by saving New Yorkers,” said Senator Steven Rhoads, SD 5th.

“When child care providers and experts tell us the system is pushing them to the brink, we have a responsibility to act. Staffing shortages are driving up costs, forcing classrooms to close, and threatening the survival of child care centers that families depend on. This bill provides practical, temporary flexibility, so centers can stay open, control costs, and continue serving families without fear of citations or insurance cancellations. Listening to the people doing the work and responding with real solutions is how we make child care more affordable and our communities stronger,” said Senator Rob Rolison, SD 39th.

The report makes a series of recommendations to help ease the burden on New Yorkers in several areas that were identified as major drivers of the high cost of living and doing business. Some highlights from the report include proposals that would:

> Eliminate state personal income tax on the first $50,000 for single filers and $100,000 for married filing jointly. Lower the tax rate to 4% for single filers up to $250,000 and $500,000 for married filing jointly and 5% for single filers of more than $250,000 and more than $500,000 for married filing jointly that are below the millionaire tax threshold. This would provide a personal income tax cut for all New Yorkers, providing $30 billion in tax relief over its 10-year implementation without having to cut funding from vital state programs (To Be Introduced, Senator Rhoads)

 

> Exempt tips from state income tax  (S.587, Senator Martins) 

 

> Exempt overtime wages from state income tax (S.3914, Senator Martins) 

 

> Freeze real property taxes for three years (S.8489, Senator Weber) 

> Require the Governor to hire an independent private professional service firm to audit state agencies and public authorities for any payments, claims or expenditures that appear improper, fraudulent or abusive. Such wrongdoing would be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency (S.8661, Senator Ortt) 

 

> Ensure the Child Care Assistance Program is fully funded in the 2026-27 State Budget, so all eligible families receive proper help with childcare expenses.

Senate Republicans will continue to roll out key initiatives under their Save New York agenda through the coming weeks. 

“I was pleased to host an affordability roundtable in the Capital Region that brought labor leaders, small business owners, municipal officials, healthcare experts, childcare providers and affordable energy advocates together to chart a better path forward for New Yorkers. I'm heartened that their testimony is reflected in our report, and I will continue to champion efforts to control utility bills, drive down childcare costs and treat employers as civic partners so we can keep innovative people, powerful ideas and great jobs from fleeing our state,” said Senator Jake Ashby, SD 43rd.

“While the Governor and the Democrat majorities love to talk about ‘affordability,’ their solutions always seem to involve spending more taxpayer money and growing government. What we heard in our roundtables across the state is that families want real relief, not more costly programs. That is the focus of our Save New York agenda, which is built around common-sense solutions that actually make life more affordable: cutting taxes, repealing mandates, and reining in out-of-control state spending. If we’re serious about helping families stay in New York and get ahead, we need to stop pretending more programs and higher spending are the answer,” said Senator George Borrello, SD 57th.

“Following a series of roundtables held across the state, we listened closely to local leaders, business owners, and families about the financial pressures they face every day, and this report reflects the need to turn those conversations into real, practical solutions. 

For years, my Senate Republican colleagues and I have been focused on addressing New York’s affordability crisis, an issue Albany Democrats are only now beginning to acknowledge. Our conference has advanced commonsense legislation that puts money back in constituents’ pockets, instead of repeating the cycle of higher spending and higher taxes with little to show for it,” stated Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, SD 9th.

“New York City has been in an affordability crisis that continues to get worse because of unfunded mandates and policies orchestrated by out of touch politicians who are not listening to the people. In New York City, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with the Asian American Chamber, Chinatown partnership, small property owners and small businesses all telling me the cost of living is getting out of control. We need to do better and we can. Working with my colleagues we are putting forward in our “affordability report”  real long term practical solutions that will help make life affordable again.” said Senator Steve Chan, SD 17th.

“Residents across New York have made it clear that affordability is one of their greatest concerns. The high cost of basic necessities such as food, utilities, childcare, health care, and insurance must be addressed this legislative session. These proposals, if adopted, will help ease the financial burden New York families and businesses face,” said Senator Patrick Gallivan, SD 60th.

“New Yorkers are struggling with the high cost of living in the state and need significant relief. Our ‘Affordable New York’ report, developed with input from various stakeholders, highlights legislative recommendations and proposals that can be undertaken to help ease the financial burden felt by so many in the state. It is a blueprint that can help to make New York more affordable,” stated Senator Joseph Griffo, SD 53rd.

“For far too many New York families, the cost of living has simply become unsustainable. Families are working harder just to keep up with the soaring costs of housing, energy, groceries, and everyday essentials. We are committed to growing the private sector to deliver real relief by making New York a place where families and businesses can afford to stay. It starts with getting government out of the way, cutting taxes, and finding ways to allow our local businesses to succeed.” said Senator Jack M. Martins, SD 7th.

“The Senate Republican Conference’s Affordability Roundtables were critical in listening to and working with New Yorkers, business leaders and experts from around the state about how Albany policies are impacting their lives.  This provided our Conference a clear view of the effect of illogical policies created by Democrat one-party control in Albany in energy, taxes and all areas and helped us chart a new common sense course for New York’s future.  When you actually listen to the people paying the bills and doing the work, it becomes clear just how disconnected these mandates are from reality.  The time for a course correction is now and the Senate Republican Conference has crafted a clear, common‑sense path forward that puts affordability, reliability, and energy choice first for New Yorkers,” said Senator Mario R. Mattera, SD 2nd.

“New Yorkers are being stretched to their breaking point by the high cost of living, and it is clear that affordability must be a top priority. Through our affordability roundtables, we heard directly from stakeholders and community organizations about the real pressures families face. These conversations helped to shape common-sense recommendations that will ease the financial burden for residents across our state, and I encourage my colleagues across the aisle to join us in advancing the Save New York agenda,” said Senator Dean Murray, SD 3rd.

“The costs of household necessities, especially energy, are putting middle-class comforts out of reach for too many New Yorkers. In response, I introduced a Utility Ratepayers Bill of Rights to put power back in the hands of the people. This crucial legislation includes transparent billing, mandatory public comment on all proposed rate increases, ratepayer credits for extended power outages, a ban on pay-to-play political contributions from big utility companies, and more. My colleagues and I are committed to making Upstate New York more affordable for its hardworking residents with real action and innovative solutions. Let's get back to work,” said Senator Peter Oberacker, SD 51st.

“New Yorkers need state government to do more than just talk about how hard it is to make ends meet or how unaffordable it is to live, work, and raise a family in New York. It's time to do something about it. It's time to address the root causes of unaffordability in this state, especially high taxes, out-of-control spending, overzealous regulations and mandates, and energy policies that lack common sense, among others. The Albany Democrats in charge talk about New York State's affordability crisis but their actions continue to show that they have no real interest in turning things around. Their vision for New York remains a vision built on irresponsibly spending billions upon billions of taxpayer dollars.” said Senator Tom O’Mara, SD 58th.

“This year I hosted an affordability roundtable event in Suffolk County to hear the concerns of residents, small businesses owners and community stakeholders. Their  overwhelming response was things must change in Albany. State governments must institute real changes to lower the cost of living on Long Island and provide substantial relief to families, seniors and businesses. Lowering taxes, especially property taxes and reducing energy costs and insurance rates are critical initiatives in addressing this crisis and providing Long Islanders with long overdue relief” said Anthony Palumbo, SD 1st.

“In Governor Hochul’s New York, affordability is little more than a buzzword. I’m proud to join my Senate Republican colleagues in outlining an agenda that would make a meaningful positive impact in the lives of New Yorkers. We must reduce taxes and costs on our families, seniors and small businesses. The package of bills we presented today accomplish exactly that and I urge the governor and Democrat legislative leaders to take up these measures,” said Senator Dan Stec, SD 45th.

“New Yorkers are facing an affordability crisis.  Whether it's soaring home heating and electric bills, skyrocketing housing and new construction costs or increasing taxes and fees from our increasingly overbearing state government, people are  voting with their feet and fleeing our state in droves. The Empire State is a beautiful state with amazing and talented citizens. Unfortunately, under one-party rule, it’s become too expensive for many people to afford to live and work in, which has led to a mass escape from New York over the past few years -- leading the nation in out-migration with the latest U.S. Census data projecting the loss of two congressional seats and representational influence in Washington.  This can't continue.  If the 'Empire State' doesn't begin to turn things around, we will soon become the 'Empty State,” said Senator Jim Tedisco, SD 44th.

“Our proposal to eliminate state income tax on the first $50,000 for single filers will provide immediate relief to working families. Exempting tips and overtime pay from taxation leaves money in the pocket of those who earned it. We owe New Yorkers solutions so we're fighting back against the crushing financial burden Albany has placed on everything from car insurance to utility bills,” said Senator Mark Walczyk, SD 49th.

“Residents across the state are being crushed by enormous property taxes, making it harder for families to afford to stay in New York. My Property Tax Freeze Credit legislation is a simple, three-year program that pays homeowners back for increases in their local property taxes on their primary residence. At a time when costs keep rising and services keep declining, it’s time for the majorities to listen to taxpayers and start advancing real, common-sense relief,” said Senator Bill Weber, SD 38th.

“Every year, the governor tries to buy her way into the hearts of New Yorkers and her election year budget proposal is another attempt to try, try again. New York taxes and spends too much at every level of government and until that changes the state will remain unaffordable for recent graduates, families, and seniors. You can’t spend your way to affordability. As a result, even more New Yorkers will continue to vote with their feet, leaving for states where they can keep more of what they earn, live under far fewer regulations, and enjoy much more economic and personal freedom,” said Senator Alexis Weik, SD 8th.