Correspondence to the Editor – January 24, 2025
The Problem: Governor Hochul introduced a $252 billion state budget for 2025 earlier this week.
It seems Gov. Hochul may be oblivious to the widespread discontent regarding her congestion pricing “gift” to New Yorkers. Now, with her new budget proposal, she fails to address our taxing concerns (“$252B NY Budget Bust,” Jan. 22).
The foundation of her budget relies on dubious income sources that she hopes will replenish New York’s financial reserves.
Her so-called “sweet deals,” which will eventually fall back on taxpayers, along with taxing healthcare providers, will inevitably inflate costs for consumers.
No matter how Hochul attempts to frame it, this budget plan is bound to become a problematic situation that New Yorkers will be forced to bear.
Same old story in New York.
J.M. Norris
Hempstead
I can’t shake the feeling that Gov. Hochul ranks among the least effective leaders.
Her approach to congestion pricing, rife with political maneuvering, and her attempt to placate us by reducing the fee seems like an elaborate charade. The increase in patrol officers in the subways appears just as performative.
Now, her budget is anything but manageable.
Taxpayer funds will be consumed at an alarming rate.
Tony Giametta
Oceanside
Hochul’s concerns appear misdirected (“470,100 Empire workers ‘illegal,’ ” Jan. 22).
Addressing illegal immigration in the state could foster better housing availability, which Hochul claims to desire.
Additionally, reducing the immigrant population may save the city and state billions annually.
Considering Hochul is discussing a $252 billion state budget—more per capita than California, and nearly double that of Florida—perhaps it’s time to identify areas for budget cuts rather than subsidizing those who likely do not qualify for asylum.
Brian Brooks
Queens
Gov. Hochul has rolled out her $252 billion budget, which largely consists of handouts.
This resembles her version of the Oprah effect, where everyone is given something for free.
Margaret Thatcher aptly noted: The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.
Tommy DeJulio
Delray Beach, Fla.
The Problem: Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch’s initiative to address New York’s violent recidivism issue.
It’s encouraging to see New York City finally has a leader bold enough to confront Albany regarding recidivist criminals who are free on our streets (“Time to end repeat crime: NYPD boss,” Jan. 19).
I hope Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch proves to be the city’s much-needed “knight in shining armor.”
For years, I and many other Post readers have been pleading for a solution to this problem, but our cries have mostly gone unheard.
As a result, innocent victims, including children, have suffered from violent crimes.
I genuinely believe Tisch has the potential to instill some much-needed sense into Albany.
She may just be that knight we require.
Dick Mills
Bardonia
In a brief time, Jessica Tisch has displayed effectiveness as a “get things done” leader.
Whether it’s the mayor or governor, she is a necessary figure in our leadership.
Ed Houlihan
Ridgewood, NJ
At last, a commissioner who understands the issues.
Let’s hope Tisch and new Border Czar Tom Homan will inject some common sense into the leaders who have allowed New York City to devolve so far from normalcy.
Bill Lewis
Danbury, Conn.
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