Upstate United Responds to 2025 State of the State

January 14th, 2025

The following statement can be attributed to Justin Wilcox, executive director of Upstate United

“Today, as Governor Hochul delivered her fourth State of the State address, she highlighted some new and relatable initiatives while many sounded all too familiar.

“It’s important for New Yorkers to feel heard in their calls for driving costs down at the grocery store and at the pump. However, that won’t happen if the costs of one of the state’s most historically ambitious policies, as outlined by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, continue to outpace proposals and rebates aimed at ‘putting money back in our pockets.’ If New York has any chance of changing course regarding affordability, competitiveness or population, proposals like cap and invest, which would cost New Yorkers billions annually, must be flatly rejected.

“In 2025, Upstate United will continue to call on the Governor and Legislative leaders to adopt meaningful reforms and relief that help to move our state forward rather than our residents and business owners from moving out.”