State Senator Tom O’Mara issued a sharp critique of New York’s Democrat-led government this week, arguing that years of unchecked spending have exacerbated the state’s affordability crisis. Writing in a column marking the opening of the 2025 legislative session, O’Mara warned that New York’s fiscal trajectory threatens to burden future generations with unsustainable debt and high taxes.
Governor Kathy Hochul and other state leaders emphasized “affordability” in their opening remarks, pledging to address the financial pressures driving many residents to leave the state. However, O’Mara questioned their sincerity, accusing lawmakers of undermining these commitments by advancing costly new programs and maintaining what he described as a “bloated” budget.
O’Mara cited Governor Hochul’s proposed $3 billion “Inflation Refund,” which aims to provide direct payments to millions of New Yorkers, as an example of irresponsible spending. He also highlighted ongoing investments in green energy initiatives, migrant services, and education as priorities likely to increase the state’s financial burden.
Since Democrats assumed full control of the state government in 2019, annual spending has grown by nearly 40%, reaching record-high levels each year, according to O’Mara. He argued that this approach has placed New York on a path to persistent budget deficits, sustained by higher taxes, borrowing, and other financial maneuvers.
Adding to the concern, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining revenue streams without resorting to new taxes or fees, a statement O’Mara said reflected the fiscal strain facing the state.
The senator warned that unless spending is brought under control, the affordability crisis will worsen, pushing more residents to relocate. “Talk doesn’t matter at the end of the day. Actions do,” he wrote, urging voters to hold lawmakers accountable during upcoming budget negotiations.
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