SLATER COMMENTS ON 2025 STATE BUDGET

A Statement from Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown)

“Budgets are hard, and because of the broken process that has been followed for years, this budget was particularly difficult due to the backroom deals, Albany math and an unnecessary delay of 38 days. We all can find something to celebrate in a budget that exceeds a quarter trillion dollars, but taxpayers know tax-and-spend policies will not make the state more affordable. 

While I have grave concerns about the future fiscal health of our state, this budget includes some major wins that I have fought hard for since my first year in the Assembly, including a universal free school meals program for all students to receive free breakfast and lunch. No child should have to learn on an empty stomach, and I am proud to have helped make this a reality for families across New York.

Under the budget’s Foundation Aid formula changes, every school district will see at least a 2% increase in aid. This provides much-needed stability for our educators and students, especially in suburban districts like those I represent. Working in conjunction with Westchester school superintendents, we were also able to increase the Regional Cost Index.

I am also pleased to see the inclusion of my proposal to create a child care substitute pool, an idea I introduced as bill A.6071. This will provide licensed and qualified substitute staff to child care centers when their regular employees are out due to illness, injury or other life events. It’s a simple but meaningful way to support working families and prevent daycare closures that leave parents without adequate care.

With the help of our local highway superintendents, we were able to increase CHIPS funding, state dollars used to pave local roads, by $50 million statewide. While more is needed, this is a positive step in investing in our local infrastructure. I was also pleased to continue my support of funding the Clean Water Fund and the Environmental Protection Fund.

While I appreciate and applaud the progress in some areas, I’m disappointed by half-measures in others. Changes to the state’s discovery laws and the legislation addressing face coverings during the commission of a crime were half-steps when strong and substantial reforms were needed. These issues directly impact public safety—this is not where we should be cutting corners.

Lastly, the MTA continues to be a bottomless pit that is a financial anchor strangling hardworking New Yorkers. It is outrageous that there are billions of dollars being generated through new taxes when audits and transparency are desperately needed. Make no mistake, a tax on jobs does not create more jobs. Worse, all of the tax dollars in New York will never settle the appetite of this out of control authority—only the bright light of transparency will.

As I said, budgets are hard. While I am proud of certain aspects of this spending plan, there are fundamental changes that are needed if we are ever going to get serious about long term affordability, opportunity, safety and freedom for New York state.”