The South Shore Press caught up with New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio in Albany, where the Suffolk County Republican argued that New York is becoming increasingly unaffordable under one-party Democratic control.
Budget Growth and Spending
“They talk about affordability, but the cuts just aren't there,” Giglio said. “We're adding another $14 billion onto the budget from last year to this year, and our state budget has gone from $175 billion in 2020 to $268.5 billion today. That's a massive increase, and it's unsustainable.”
Rising Costs for Families
“Everyone is complaining that their energy costs are going up and their food costs are going up,” Giglio said. “When government makes it more difficult and expensive to transport goods, heat homes and run businesses, those costs get passed directly on to families. That's why people are struggling.”
People and Businesses Leaving New York
“People are voting with their feet and getting the heck out of here,” Giglio said. “Many businesses that employ hundreds of thousands of people are taking their operations elsewhere because New York is becoming too expensive.”
According to U.S. Census data, more than 480,000 people moved out of New York in 2023, with Florida receiving over 71,000 former New Yorkers, more than any other state. IRS migration data also show billions of dollars in income leaving New York each year as residents relocate to lower-tax states.
Single-Party Rule and Affordability
“When one party controls everything, there's nobody asking the hard questions about spending,” Giglio said. “New Yorkers are paying higher property taxes, higher utility bills and higher costs across the board, yet Albany keeps spending more. That's making New York less affordable, not more affordable.”
Democrats currently hold a 103-47 supermajority in the Assembly and control the Senate and governor's office. Giglio noted that New York's $268.5 billion budget is more than double Florida's roughly $115 billion state budget despite the two states having comparable populations.