Statement from Upstate United Regarding Governor Kathy Hochul’s Executive Budget Proposal

January 18th, 2022

The following statement is attributable to Justin Wilcox, executive director of Upstate United

“As employers are struggling to keep their doors open and families are fleeing New York in search of affordability and opportunity, this year’s state budget must take steps to strengthen our economy and stop the Empire State exodus.

Governor Hochul’s proposed budget makes several smart and strategic investments that will help realize those goals. Investing in workforce development initiatives, aging infrastructure and broadband services will benefit taxpayers across the state. And while we’re encouraged by the governor’s focus on tax relief and support for struggling businesses, there’s much more that should be done on those fronts.

For example, employers can’t afford to take a $9 billion hit associated with the state’s unemployment insurance debt. They’re already facing supply chain problems, labor shortages and rising costs due to inflation. Addressing this issue in the budget would help both employers and employees at a critical time.

Rebuilding New York’s economy and reviving our communities won’t be easy. We’re confident that Governor Hochul and her colleagues will lead the way forward with a budget that is responsible and responsive to the state’s hardworking taxpayers.”