Upstate United Responds to Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget Proposal

January 21st, 2025

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

“From healthcare to home heating costs, it’s vital that Governor Hochul, the New York State Budget Director Blake Washington, and their team acknowledge the financial challenges that New Yorkers face every day. While we greatly appreciate many of the investments outlined in the 2025 Executive Budget presentation, the devil is in the details of yet another record-breaking spending plan. 

“We have long argued that our over-regulated, tax-and-spend government impedes growth and puts New York businesses at a competitive disadvantage. However, we don’t want quick fixes moving forward with the next phases of this year’s budget process. Solutions must be sustainable, and efforts must continue to reduce structural costs for New York families and businesses, not just a redistribution of funds that makes spending appear more responsible.

“We cannot spend our way out of an affordability crisis. That said, we encourage the governor to hold the line throughout negotiations with Legislative leaders in the Senate and Assembly and uphold making New York more affordable as her top priority.”