State Sen. Tom O’Mara is sharply criticizing New York’s newly approved state budget, calling it unaffordable, fiscally irresponsible, and disconnected from the financial pressures facing residents across the state.
O’Mara, a Republican from Big Flats and ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the criticism Thursday after Gov. Kathy Hochul and Democratic majorities in the Legislature approved the final 2026-27 state budget nearly two months after the April 1 deadline.
The budget totals more than $268 billion and increases state spending by at least $14 billion over last year, according to O’Mara. He argued the spending plan continues a trend of rapid state spending growth under Democratic control in Albany.
“New York is already one of the highest taxed, heavily mandated, overregulated, and least affordable states in America,” O’Mara said. “This budget makes it worse.”
O’Mara said the final budget fails to deliver meaningful tax relief, spending restraint, mandate relief, or long-term solutions for rising utility costs and affordability concerns. He also criticized the state’s approach to energy policy, health care spending, and public safety.
The senator pointed to recent Siena College polling showing widespread concern about New York’s fiscal condition and utility affordability. According to the poll cited by O’Mara, more than 70% of respondents rated the state’s fiscal condition as fair or poor, while 75% said utility costs were seriously impacting their financial situation.
O’Mara accused state leaders of relying on rebates and spending programs while avoiding broader structural changes to taxes, regulations, and energy costs.
“It’s offensive to ratepayers,” O’Mara said while criticizing state energy policies and utility surcharges. “They shouldn’t stand for it, and I don’t believe they will.”
Beyond the budget itself, O’Mara also renewed criticism of Albany’s budget process, including the use of “messages of necessity” that allow lawmakers to vote on budget bills without the normal waiting period.
He said the process limits public review and meaningful legislative debate over major policy decisions embedded in the state budget.
“It’s time to bring this state’s budget adoption process into the modern day,” O’Mara said.
The final budget is expected to be signed into law by Hochul in the coming days.
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