SC New York News

Senator O'Mara, in his weekly column 'From the Capitol,' expressed concerns about Governor Kathy Hochul's recent announcement of a one-time "Inflation Refund" check. This plan proposes distributing up to $500 to an estimated 80 percent of New York taxpayers at a total cost of at least $3 billion.

Governor Hochul stated, "My agenda for the coming year will be laser-focused on putting money back in your pockets, and that starts with proposing Inflation Refund checks of up to $500 to help millions of hard-working New Yorkers. It's simple: the cost of living is still too damn high, and New Yorkers deserve a break."

The Wall Street Journal editorialized the move as "the Albany way: Raise taxes, then redistribute the money to buy votes." Senator O'Mara echoed this sentiment, suggesting that New York needs ongoing relief from high taxes rather than one-time payments. He argued that families earning up to $300,000 or individuals making up to $150,000 do not need state handouts.

A Siena Research Institute poll found over 70 percent of respondents concerned about affordability in New York State. The senator questioned if $500 could significantly impact easing this crisis.

Senator O'Mara listed several priorities he believes require attention: reducing state and local tax burdens, mandate relief for local governments and school districts, controlling state spending, paying off unemployment debt from COVID-19 shutdowns, addressing the migrant crisis costs, and evaluating energy mandates' impacts.

He concluded by stating that real change would provide meaningful short- and long-term relief for New Yorkers rather than relying on temporary measures like the "Inflation Refund."