Sen. Dean Murray

Noted contradictions in debate regarding cost impacts and technological feasibility. Compared to tariff debate where cost increases are acknowledged, argued companies will pass costs to consumers. Preferred the alternative Affordable Waste Reduction Act (S5062).

Delivered extensive critique of the MTA payroll tax as a job killer, arguing it disproportionately harms small and mid-sized businesses and would incentivize relocation. Detailed MTA's poor fiscal management, including $525-800 million annual fare evasion losses and wasteful spending on consultants and infrastructure projects.

Argued that chip technology funding should be included in the budget to prevent the $40 million in annual fraud losses on SNAP cards, noting the Department of Labor already uses this technology and federal funds would cover half the cost.

Expressed frustration with the MTA as a 'money pit,' noting that fare and toll evasion losses have increased from $150 million in 2017 to nearly $800 million, and that overtime costs hit a record $1.42 billion, contradicting claims of efficiency improvements.

Opposed rejection of drug scheduling for xylazine, arguing it enables dealers to use animal sedatives and that scheduling is necessary law enforcement tool to combat overdose deaths.

Argued that tens of millions of individuals care for their own lawns and questioned why individual homeowners are excluded from the rebate program if emissions and noise reduction are important public health goals.

Questioned whether law enforcement was consulted, noting NYPD stated panic buttons are not ideal and that 911 calls allow dispatchers to gather information. Raised concerns about lack of guidance on panic button placement and number, and noted the bill does not address the primary problem of repeat criminal offenders.

Questioned the vague definition of 'reasonable steps' and argued manufacturers should not be held responsible for criminal actions. Stated that criminals will find ways to break the law regardless and that enforcement should focus on punishing criminals, not manufacturers.

Opposed automatic registration as unnecessary, noting voter registration is already simple and easier than vehicle registration. Expressed concern about potential fraud from non-citizens and argued citizens should make the effort to register as a matter of respect and civic responsibility.

The state already distributes millions of fentanyl and xylazine test strips annually. The bill fails to prevent drug use since tested drugs are not confiscated and users can continue using them. Resources should focus on treatment and enforcement against dealers rather than duplicating existing testing programs.

Parents should have meaningful input into what materials are available in school libraries, which serve children exclusively. The bill should incorporate a collaborative system similar to film ratings that restrict rather than ban content, ensuring parental involvement rather than giving sole discretion to librarians.

He questioned whether the state should rely on federal funding promises and noted that Washington State spent $55 million in state dollars on a similar program. He argued the state should prioritize addressing the federal immigration problem and expressed concern about repeatedly taxing residents for federal issues.

Criticized the complete omission of opioid and overdose prevention provisions, particularly the removal of xylazine scheduling language that was in the Governor's proposal, calling it a failure to address a growing epidemic.

Questioned the lack of restrictions on the funding, noting the increase from $713 million last year to $2.4 billion this year, and expressed concern about prioritizing migrant services over homeless veterans, school meals, and infrastructure.

Criticized lack of enforcement provisions for fare and toll evasion, noting the state has lost $750 million annually to evasion while proposing congestion pricing instead of enforcement.

Murray opposed the bill's requirement for physical photo ID to recover account access, arguing it highlights a double standard in Democratic positions on photo ID requirements, which are opposed for voting but accepted for account security.

Expressed concern that the bill puts the cart before the horse by lacking clear answers on responsibility allocation, penalty structures, liability issues, and enforcement timelines. Stated he could not vote yes until these implementation details were resolved.

Focused on the message sent to crime victims, arguing the bill prioritizes criminals over victims who will never get second chances or clean slates. Cited stories of families traumatized by violent crimes and questioned why victims are being denied justice.

Questioned whether the state would ultimately bear costs if federal funding falls short, citing Washington State's experience where 105,000 undocumented individuals were not covered by federal funds and the state paid $55 million annually. Argued the state has finite resources and should prioritize legal residents and citizens who follow immigration law.

Expressed concern about reducing the number of drills, believing that practice reinforces learning. Suggested compromise to improve standards without reducing drill frequency.

Opposed the bill's license suspension provisions, arguing they prevent delinquent parents from working and earning money to pay child support. Suggested an amendment limiting suspension to work-related travel only.

While not opposing the bill's purpose, Murray noted the apparent contradiction that photo ID requirements are deemed discriminatory for voting but not for protecting financial accounts, and stated she would vote no on those grounds.

Criticized the MTA as a 'black hole' receiving $4.4 billion in state funding plus additional revenue from congestion pricing and casinos, while continuing to miss audit recommendations. Argued Long Island taxpayers pay through multiple tax streams and questioned why the state continues to fund the MTA without accountability.

Expressed concern about lack of MTA accountability despite multiple funding sources. Criticized the $280 million increase in film tax credits while only $134 million was allocated for school meal programs, calling it a 'Hollywood handout' at the expense of feeding children.

Cited Massachusetts data showing optional inspections led to 87 percent drop in inspections, 55 percent increase in collision claims, and 61 percent premium increases. Argued photos provide unique fraud protections and proposed a compromise allowing consumers to submit their own photos to inspection companies.

Questioned the cost-benefit analysis, noting that early voting already exists and is underutilized (less than 10 percent turnout). Expressed concerns about staffing costs, liability insurance, advertising expenses, and whether the added cost is justified given existing voting options.

Highlighted the contradiction of voting on bills to expand voter access while simultaneously restricting access to challenge election laws. Noted that driving from Suffolk County to Westchester takes longer than driving to local Riverhead courthouse, making the bill impractical.