SLATER CRITICIZES DEMOCRATS AS STATE MISSES BUDGET DEADLINE

Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) today commented on Albany missing the deadline for passing the 2026-27 state budget, with lawmakers now forced to pass temporary extenders to keep the government functioning at basic levels. Noting that since Gov. Kathy Hochul has taken office, she has failed to deliver a single on-time budget, with budgets averaging 24 days late. Slater is concerned that Gov. Hochul and Albany Democrats are delaying this year’s state budget out of a desire to make it a political roadmap in an election year rather than one that is on time, fiscally responsible and addresses the affordability crisis facing New Yorkers. 

“While families across the Hudson Valley are working hard to keep up with rising costs, Albany Democrats continue to fail at one of the most basic responsibilities of government—passing a budget on time,” said Slater. “As a former Town Supervisor, I know firsthand how damaging a late state budget is for our local communities. School districts are forced to prepare budgets without knowing what state aid will look like, just as they approach budget votes, and local governments are left unable to properly plan for services and capital projects.”

 Slater said the delays also create financial strain at the local level.

“Local governments are forced to cover for Albany’s dysfunction, creating cash flow challenges and uncertainty that ultimately impacts the services residents rely on,” Slater added. “At the end of the day, it’s property taxpayers who feel the effects.”

Slater said the ongoing delays reflect a lack of leadership and focus on the real issues facing New Yorkers.

“Instead of addressing affordability and delivering relief, Hochul is dragging out the process and forcing New Yorkers to deal with uncertainty,” Slater added. “New York deserves real leadership and a budget that is responsible, on time and focused on the needs of the people—not political delays and excuses.”