05/28/2026
This year’s state budget is not perfect. There are provisions I strongly oppose and believe move New York in the wrong direction. But it also delivers long-overdue Tier 6 reform for public workers across our state and takes a step forward to making our streets more safe for all.
For years, public employees have called for a retirement system that reflects the dignity of their work and the value of their service. These are the workers who kept our schools, hospitals, transit systems, and communities running through crisis after crisis. They deserve real relief.
At the same time, I remain deeply concerned by provisions that weaken New York’s climate laws. Rolling back the CLCPA will not make life more affordable. It will only place greater burdens on frontline communities already facing pollution, flooding, extreme heat, and environmental injustice, including communities in Western Queens.
DEC must set and enforce clear interim emissions targets so New York does not continue falling behind its statutory climate obligations. Affordability, reliability, and sustainability must be pursued together, not traded off against one another.
And on revenue, we must be clear: the New York City pied-à-terre tax is only a first step. We cannot stop there. We must keep fighting to make the 1% pay their fair share and build a truly affordable New York for us all.
The budget reflects the tension of an imperfect bill: necessary relief for public workers, serious concerns about climate rollbacks, and a continued commitment to fight for healthcare, climate justice, and progressive revenue. We will be back next year to TAX THE RICH.
