Assemblyman Matt Simpson has voiced his concerns over the latest New York state budget, which amounts to $254 billion. While he acknowledged some beneficial measures, he criticized the budget for not sufficiently addressing affordability issues and continuing a pattern of high taxation and spending.
Simpson praised certain aspects of the budget, including an expansion of the Empire State child credit. This initiative provides up to $1,000 per child under age 4 and doubles the average credit to $943, aiming to support families and combat child poverty. He also approved of the state’s decision to assume responsibility for a $6.2 billion unemployment insurance debt from COVID-19, relieving businesses from this burden. Additionally, he noted a guaranteed 2% annual increase in Foundation Aid as a positive move toward equitable school funding.
However, Simpson expressed significant reservations about other elements of the budget. “At $254 billion,” he stated, “this budget represents yet another record high in spending.” He highlighted that tax credits for the film industry were prioritized while clean water infrastructure funding remained stagnant—a choice he deemed misguided given everyday families’ struggles.
Simpson was critical of inflationary rebate checks with a $2 billion cost and described middle-class tax cuts as superficial without meaningful reform. He warned that until Albany controls its taxing and spending habits, New York’s affordability crisis will continue driving residents away.
“New York remains on an unstable fiscal path,” Simpson concluded. He called for long-term solutions that prioritize hard-working taxpayers to restore economic stability in the state.
