Assemblyman Scott Gray from Watertown has shared his perspective on the New York State Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget. He explained his decision-making process, supporting certain budget bills while opposing others due to concerns over spending and policy issues.
Gray acknowledged that the budget’s total expenditure of approximately $254 billion is more than he would prefer. However, he noted that strong revenues and reserve funds help manage these costs. “While the overall budget is larger than I’d like, I won’t vote ‘no’ just because my job is to do a deeper dive into these bills and see what they deliver for the North Country and all New Yorkers,” Gray stated. He described the budget as imperfect but containing important initiatives beneficial to communities.
He voted in favor of several appropriation bills but opposed one appropriation bill and three Article VII bills due to fiscal concerns and policy disagreements. Specifically, he opposed A3000 for its spending items and objected to provisions in Article VII bills A3005, A3007, and A3008. Despite recognizing some merits in each bill, Gray ultimately disagreed with them on policy grounds.
“Despite opposing these particular bills, my votes were cast issue-by-issue and with the hope of better solutions,” Gray remarked. He emphasized his support for many initiatives within the budget but stood against parts he felt were imprudent. His goal remains a responsible budget without unnecessary overspending or overreach.
Gray concluded by stating that no budget is perfect and expressed his commitment to a balanced approach that invests in families, schools, and public safety while maintaining fiscal responsibility. “The residents of my district expect thoughtful, honest representation, and that’s exactly how I’ve approached every budget and every vote I cast in Albany.”
