Lawmakers React to Governor’s State of the State
Key Issues Addressed
Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her State of the State address for the 2025 legislative session, focusing on affordability and crime. The Minority Leader and Speaker Pro-Tempore of the Assembly shared their reactions to the address.
Minority Leader’s Take
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay praised the State of the State for addressing many issues the minority conference had brought up in previous sessions. He emphasized the need for better management of the state’s funds:
“We’re a very heavy tax and spend state. We have to change that trajectory that we’re on. And that’s hard, because we have to make difficult choices, particularly when it comes to spending. I have always said we don’t have to cut programs, but we might not be able to increase them at 5 or 6 percent every year.”
Speaker Pro-Tempore’s Perspective
Assembly Speaker Pro-Tempore Pam Hunter agreed that the speech addressed key issues with constituents. She highlighted the importance of addressing unfunded mandates and their impact on municipalities:
“I do think that we need to be really hyper-focused into unfunded mandates, because municipalities don’t have any money, and they’re always asking the state for funding. So I do think we need to be laser-focused on ramifications for finances.”
Conclusion
The lawmakers’ reactions to the State of the State address highlight the importance of addressing affordability and crime, as well as the need for better management of the state’s funds. As the legislative session progresses, it will be crucial for lawmakers to work together to find solutions to these pressing issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What were the key issues addressed in the State of the State address?
A: The address focused on affordability and crime.
Q: What did the Minority Leader say about the state’s funds?
A: He emphasized the need for better management of the state’s funds, citing the state’s heavy tax and spend trajectory.
Q: What did the Speaker Pro-Tempore say about unfunded mandates?
A: She highlighted the importance of addressing unfunded mandates and their impact on municipalities, emphasizing the need for lawmakers to be “laser-focused” on financial ramifications.
