Kathy Hochul’s Hollow Promises: A Recipe for New York’s Downfall

Governor Hochul’s State of the State address on Tuesday showcased more empty promises and political maneuvering.

Amidst the speeches, the grim reality is clear: This administration and the overwhelmingly liberal legislature are falling short for New Yorkers.

Rather than proposing meaningful solutions, Hochul reiterated the same failed policies that have rendered our state unaffordable, unsafe, and uninhabitable.

Even as the governor speaks of affordability, New York still holds the title of the highest-taxed state in the country.

Rising property taxes are burdening family budgets, small businesses are choked by excessive regulations, and residents are leaving the state in droves.

Kathy Hochul’s response?

Increased spending and more bureaucracy. 

Hochul and the Democratic establishment in Albany have not addressed the pressing issues of affordability and crime that matter most to New Yorkers.

In fact, they have done just the opposite.

Their highly politicized agenda has worsened these problems and plunged our state further into crisis.

If increased spending could make a state more affordable, New York would already be leading the nation. Unfortunately, Albany’s Democrat-led policies have turned us into the most expensive, most taxed, most regulated, and least free state in America.

The governor’s lack of sensitivity towards public safety is equally troubling.

She claims to prioritize safer streets and subways, yet supports measures like cashless bail and discovery reform that have hindered law enforcement and empowered criminals.

New Yorkers should not have to live in fear of becoming victims of violent crimes during their daily commutes. 

Hochul’s weak efforts to tackle the migrant crisis are merely political theatrics: Rather than holding the Biden-Harris administration accountable for their open-border policies, she expects New Yorkers to bear the financial burden of the crisis impacting local governments and law enforcement.

Once more, hardworking taxpayers are left to cover the costs of Albany’s shortcomings.

Despite her role as the state’s chief executive, Hochul has made shifting blame her default approach.

She frequently attributes issues to Washington, local authorities, or even the climate, while dodging accountability for her administration’s failures and her party’s disastrous policies.

New Yorkers require results, not excuses.

Fortunately, Senate Republicans are prepared with actionable solutions.

Our “Liberate New York” agenda is designed to counteract Albany’s dysfunction.

We are advocating for lower taxes, cutting wasteful spending, and revitalizing our economy so that hardworking families and businesses can thrive.

We aim to repeal pro-criminal laws, restore public safety, and support our law enforcement personnel.

Our commitment is to prioritize the needs of New Yorkers over the radical agenda of Albany Democrats.

New Yorkers are growing weary of the hollow promises, soaring costs, and pervasive crime that characterize this administration.

It’s time for a state government that prioritizes the people, not special interests or a failing far-left agenda.

Should Hochul and the legislative majority continue to disregard the common-sense priorities of New Yorkers, they should prepare for a reckoning at the ballot box.

The electorate is ready to send a strong message by electing more Republicans to Albany — leaders who will deliver real results and advocate for the citizens of this state.

State Sen. Rob Ortt is the minority leader of the New York State Senate.