Republican and conservative leaders criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed $260 billion state budget, calling it bloated, irresponsible and a major driver of New York’s affordability crisis. The plan is $6 billion higher than last year, drawing renewed criticism that rising state spending has failed to ease costs for families facing high taxes, housing prices and utility bills.
Nassau County Executive and Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman said the budget “doubles down on the policies that have made New York unaffordable by pouring billions into migrant services while leaving families, seniors, and hardworking New Yorkers with higher bills.”
“New York is one of the most unaffordable states in America because Kathy Hochul chooses migrants over hardworking families and seniors,” Blakeman said. He cited $4.3 billion for migrant shelters, health care and legal services and an 11% increase in Medicaid spending, adding, “no income tax relief, no property tax relief, no utility cost relief."
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano said, “New York’s budget keeps growing — bigger, broader and more bloated — while families on Long Island are still living through an affordability crisis.” Comparing New York to Florida, he argued taxpayers are being treated “like an unlimited credit card.”
Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar said Hochul has “ballooned our state budget by nearly 40%,” adding, “New York is unaffordable because Kathy Hochul continues to make it that way. She needs to go.”
State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt said costs have risen 18% under Hochul, with New York ranking 45th for affordability and last for tax competitiveness. “New Yorkers need real relief from the tax-and-spend policies that contribute to making our state unaffordable,” he said.
State Sen. Alexis Weik added that New York’s problems stem from Albany, calling it “the worst run state in the nation” as the 2026 budget battle begins.