New York Assembly Republicans kicked off the 2026 legislative session by rolling out a sweeping policy agenda they say targets affordability, public safety, and economic growth across the state.
The Minority Conference calls the platform “Fight for New York,” a package of proposals leaders say responds to rising costs, high taxes, and what they describe as one-party control in Albany.
Minority Leader Will Barclay, a Republican from Pulaski, said the agenda focuses on easing pressure on families who feel squeezed by state policies.
“New Yorkers deserve a brighter future and a better direction than what Albany’s One-Party Rule is providing,” Barclay said in the release. “For too long here, people have been paying too much and getting too little in return.”
A focus on affordability and taxes
At the center of the plan is what Republicans call the affordability crisis. The conference points to New York’s high tax burden and says state spending has grown by more than $50 billion since 2021.
Their proposals aim to lower costs for families, rein in spending, and provide what they describe as fiscal relief for taxpayers statewide.
Rethinking energy and climate policy
The agenda also calls for changes to state energy policy. Republicans want to review and reset parts of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, arguing current mandates drive up energy costs and threaten grid reliability.
Leaders say they want to preserve energy choice while keeping the state’s power system dependable.
Health care and public safety priorities
Health care reform makes up another pillar of the platform. The conference says it wants to expand access to critical services through more affordable and innovative options, while also easing enrollment burdens.
On public safety, Republicans propose changes to criminal justice laws they say are failing. The agenda also includes reforms to correctional system policies, which leaders say would help a workforce they describe as being in crisis.
Jobs, workforce, and antisemitism
The plan outlines efforts to expand job training and apprenticeship programs, while removing regulatory barriers that Republicans say slow economic growth.
Another section focuses on combatting antisemitism. The conference says it stands with the Jewish community and wants to ensure public funds do not support groups or institutions that spread hate.
New website highlights proposals
Alongside the agenda, the Minority Conference launched a new website, nygoppolicy.com, to highlight its priorities. The site includes issue summaries, legislative proposals, and video remarks from Barclay and other Assembly Republicans.
“Assembly Republicans are excited and ready to work on these priorities,” Barclay said. “The start of a new legislative session provides the opportunity to make overdue changes that puts New York on more prosperous path.”
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