SC New York News

Senator O'Mara's weekly column 'From the Capitol' for the week of April 29, 2024, sheds light on the current state of affairs in New York under one-party control. The column reflects on the recent $237 billion spending plan enacted by Governor Kathy Hochul and the Legislature's all-Democrat supermajorities.

According to the Empire Center, a state fiscal watchdog, New York's spending has reached unprecedented levels, with a 33 percent increase in total spending over just four years. The Empire Center warns that the state is becoming more reliant on volatile Wall Street revenue, leading to a situation that is deemed unsustainable.

Moreover, the Citizens Budget Commission also raises concerns about the budget, highlighting a potential future structural budget deficit exceeding $16 billion. The Commission criticizes the budget for adding unaffordable spending that will exacerbate future fiscal challenges.

Senator O'Mara criticizes the all-Democrat approach to governing, particularly in terms of taxing and spending, questioning its alignment with common sense. He points out that despite some positive aspects of the budget, there are significant dissenting voices within the Democratic party who believe the spending is insufficient.

The column also addresses various issues within the budget, such as the allocation of $2.4 billion to support programs for an illegal immigrant population, the move towards banning natural gas appliances, and the continuous increase in the state minimum wage, among others. Senator O'Mara expresses concerns about the impact of these decisions on taxpayers, job losses, economic growth, and overall safety in New York.

In conclusion, Senator O'Mara paints a grim picture of New York under one-party control, describing it as a state burdened by a bloated and wasteful government budget. He warns that the current trajectory of increased spending without addressing fundamental priorities or providing tax relief will only further strain state and local taxpayers. The column emphasizes the need for a more sustainable and responsible approach to governance in New York.