North Country Leader

Assemblyman Gray has expressed concerns regarding the proposed executive budget for New York state, which includes a 7.9% increase in state operating spending. This rise surpasses the rate of inflation and the constraints imposed on local governments that must adhere to a 2% tax cap. According to Gray, this sends an inappropriate message to local governments.

Gray's main worry is that much of the increased spending seems to establish recurring costs based on volatile and unexpected revenues. These revenues mainly come from inflationary sales and personal income tax spikes, leading to what he describes as an unsustainable foundation for ongoing expenditures and future deficits.

Despite these concerns, Gray acknowledges some positive aspects of the governor’s budget aimed at addressing affordability issues. Measures include universal meals in schools, a planned $8.3 million tax cut for middle-class New Yorkers, and an expansion of the childcare tax credit program to $825 million. However, he criticizes these initiatives for relying on temporary revenue increases without addressing long-term fiscal responsibility.

Gray commends the governor's decision to accelerate debt service prepayments, aligning one-time revenues with one-time obligations. He urges a more disciplined approach to overall spending growth to protect the state's fiscal stability amid real affordability challenges.