Maria Santos stared at her February utility bill in disbelief. The single mother from Rochester watched the numbers climb month after month – $340 for electricity and gas this time, nearly double what she paid just two years ago. Between rising rent, grocery costs that seemed to increase every week, and now these crushing energy bills, she wondered how much longer her family could afford to stay in New York.
She’s not alone. Across the Empire State, families are making impossible choices between heating their homes and putting food on the table. Small business owners are closing their doors, unable to keep up with mounting operational costs and regulatory burdens.
Now, Senate Republicans are demanding action, urging Governor Kathy Hochul to incorporate their “Save New York priorities” into upcoming budget amendments that could provide real relief to struggling New Yorkers like Maria.
Republicans Push for Major Budget Overhaul
State Senator Tom O’Mara and Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt sent a pointed letter to Governor Hochul this week, calling for significant revisions to her proposed 2026-27 budget. The Republican conference argues that Hochul’s initial budget proposal, introduced on January 20th, falls woefully short of addressing the affordability crisis gripping New York.
“Families across our state are being crushed by the weight of high taxes, soaring energy costs, and an endless stream of regulations that drive up the price of everything,” O’Mara explained. “We need bold action, not incremental changes around the edges.”
The governor has 30 days from her initial budget proposal to submit amendments under state law, giving Republicans a narrow window to push for their priorities. The Save New York agenda represents what Republicans call a comprehensive approach to making the state more livable and affordable for working families.
Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt emphasized the urgency of the situation: “Every day we delay meaningful reform, more families pack up and leave New York for states that actually welcome them and their businesses.”
Key Components of the Save New York Priorities
The Republican proposal includes sweeping changes designed to put money back in taxpayers’ pockets and reduce the regulatory burden on businesses. Here’s what they’re demanding:
- $30 billion personal income tax cut – described as the largest in state history
- $2 billion return of unspent green energy funds directly to ratepayers
- One-year utility bill tax holiday – suspending all taxes and surcharges on utility bills
- Three-year property tax freeze for homeowners and businesses
- Repeal of all-electric building mandate that drives up construction costs
- Reform of electric vehicle requirements for government fleets
- Independent Medicaid audit to eliminate fraud and waste
- Business regulatory reform to reduce compliance costs
The proposal also includes criminal justice reforms through the PROTECT Act, which would create pretrial risk assessment tools and reform parole processes. Education improvements include expanding access to Gifted & Talented programs statewide.
| Priority Area | Proposed Action | Expected Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Income Taxes | $30B tax cut | Varies by household |
| Utility Bills | Tax/surcharge holiday | 10-15% reduction |
| Property Taxes | 3-year freeze | Maintains current levels |
| Energy Costs | $2B ratepayer return | Average $400 per household |
What This Could Mean for Everyday New Yorkers
For families like Maria’s, these Save New York priorities could translate into immediate, tangible relief. The utility tax holiday alone could reduce monthly bills by 10-15%, while the return of green energy funds might put an average of $400 back in each household’s pocket.
“We’re talking about real money that could help families pay for groceries, school supplies, or maybe even save a little for their children’s future,” noted one Republican aide familiar with the proposal.
Small business owners would see relief through regulatory reforms designed to reduce compliance costs and paperwork burdens. The property tax freeze would provide predictability for both homeowners and commercial property owners, allowing them to budget more effectively.
However, the proposals face significant political hurdles. Democrats control both the Assembly and the governorship, and they’ve historically opposed large tax cuts, arguing they reduce funding for essential services like education and healthcare.
A Democratic Assembly member, speaking on background, questioned whether such dramatic tax cuts were fiscally responsible: “We’ve seen what happens in other states when they slash taxes too deeply – essential services suffer, and ultimately everyone pays the price.”
The Political Battle Ahead
Governor Hochul faces a delicate balancing act as she prepares her budget amendments. While she needs to address legitimate concerns about affordability, she must also maintain funding for programs that Democrats consider essential.
The Save New York priorities put Hochul in a politically challenging position. Rejecting them entirely could make her appear insensitive to struggling families, while embracing them could alienate her Democratic base and create budget shortfalls.
“The governor has an opportunity to show real leadership here,” O’Mara said. “She can either continue the status quo that’s driving families out of New York, or she can work with us to implement real solutions.”
Political analysts expect intense negotiations in the coming weeks as the 30-day amendment window closes. The stakes are high for both parties, with control of the narrative around New York’s affordability crisis potentially influencing future elections.
For families like Maria’s, the political maneuvering matters less than the potential outcome. She’s already started looking at job opportunities in North Carolina, where her sister moved last year. “If things don’t get better soon,” Maria said, “we might not have a choice but to leave the only state we’ve ever called home.”
The coming weeks will reveal whether New York’s political leaders can find common ground on the Save New York priorities, or whether the state will continue to see families and businesses flee to more affordable destinations.
FAQs
What exactly are the Save New York priorities?
They’re a package of Republican proposals focused on tax cuts, utility bill relief, regulatory reform, and criminal justice changes designed to make New York more affordable.
When does Governor Hochul need to submit her budget amendments?
She has 30 days from her January 20th budget proposal, so amendments are due by February 19th.
How much could families save under these proposals?
The utility tax holiday could reduce bills by 10-15%, while the green energy fund return might provide around $400 per household on average.
What are the chances these proposals will be included?
It’s uncertain since Democrats control the governorship and Assembly, but political pressure around affordability issues could influence negotiations.
Would these tax cuts affect state services?
Republicans argue waste reduction would offset cuts, while Democrats worry about funding for education, healthcare, and other essential services.
What happens if the Save New York priorities aren’t included?
Republicans would likely continue pushing these measures throughout the budget process, which must be completed by April 1st.
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