Upstate United Echoes Warnings of Comptroller Ahead of a Difficult Financial Year

December 5th, 2023

Statement attributed to Justin Wilcox Executive Director of Upstate United

“As Albany leaders prepare to negotiate the state’s budget and legislative priorities, I encourage our electeds to take heed of Comptroller DiNapoli’s warnings as outlined in his most recent report. DiNapoli has once again highlighted the significant financial impacts that out-migration has had on the state’s revenue in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and unfortunately, we have still not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Personal income tax (PIT) collections are New York’s largest and most consistent revenue source, and without action or change, our communities will continue to suffer from this Empire State exodus.

“We applaud DiNapoli’s commitment to informing policymakers of this important data and encourage Gov. Hochul to stay true to her word and not raise taxes or depend on Federal dollars to bridge the state’s anticipated fiscal gaps.”