By New York State Senator Joseph A. Griffo, R-C-Rome, 53rd Senate District
One-party control of state government has resulted in problematic and flawed policies that have further burdened New Yorkers who are already struggling.
As a result, we have seen far too many residents flee the state in search of better opportunities elsewhere.
New Yorkers need real change, real action and real relief.
To combat many of the challenges created by one-party control and as a new legislative session gets underway, I recently joined with my colleagues in the Senate Republican Conference to unveil our legislative priorities for the year.
Called “Save New York,” our agenda is a comprehensive, common-sense plan that focuses on affordability, improving public safety, and building a stronger New York for today and for future generations.
It includes proposals that would:
- Provide Affordability and Economic Opportunity
- Cut personal income tax.
- Impose a three-year property tax freeze.
- Eliminate state income taxes on tips and OT.
- Impose a one-year tax and surcharge holiday on utility bills.
- Repeal Green Energy mandates such as the All Electric Building Act, EV and all-electric bus mandates, Congestion Pricing Program, Cap and Invest Program that drive up energy costs.
- Lower housing costs by shortening the permitting process and decreasing the regulatory burden on developers.
- Provide a tax credit for first time homebuyers.
- Make childcare more affordable by providing flexible savings accounts and incentivizing employers to provide childcare for their employees.
- Cut taxes on businesses.
- Reduce burdensome regulations.
- Restore and Enhance Public Safety
- Repeal disastrous legislation that has put criminals ahead of New Yorkers such as Bail and Discovery “Reforms,” “Less is More” legislation, Clean Slate Act and the HALT Act.
- Prohibit Parole Board from releasing violent criminals and cop killers early.
- Pass the PROTECT Act.
- Fully fund our police and create grant programs to enable law enforcement agencies to recruit qualified and skilled police officers.
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Increase hate crime penalties to address rise in antisemitism.
- Hold Government Accountable
- Enact statewide voter ID.
- Impose term limits for offices of Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General and members of the Legislature.
- Place checks on the budget including on spending and enforcing the budget deadline.
The “Save New York” agenda will make the state more affordable, safer and accountable to those it represents while also improving the quality of life for the state’s hardworking citizens and their families.
