Sen. James Tedisco

Criticized the budget as the latest in 15 years and noted New York ranks first in taxes and near-first in spending. Expressed concerns about campaign finance reforms in Part OO, arguing they defeat the purpose of reducing big money in politics by allowing donations up to $1,050.

He criticized the bill as ineffective and called for legislators to take direct responsibility for rate increases rather than blaming the PSC. He proposed alternative legislation requiring Senate ratification of rate increases to make legislators accountable for energy costs driving outmigration.

Challenged the sponsor to add an amendment guaranteeing costs won't pass to consumers if she truly believes the economic model. Criticized the bill as virtue signaling without factual basis and noted conflicts with other state policies like electric school bus mandates lacking sufficient energy infrastructure.

Voted in opposition to the measure.

Questioned the transparency and process of budget negotiations, noting constituents want to know where negotiations are occurring and who is in the room. Criticized the brief subcommittee meetings and called for greater rank-and-file member involvement in budget discussions.

Used eclipse metaphor to describe budget process darkness and criticized repeated extenders as violation of constitutional April 1st mandate. Argued constituents want on-time balanced budgets, not excuses, and that Democratic control of Senate, Assembly, and Governor's office means no one else to blame.

Questioned the sponsor's research on how many businesses sell these vehicles and how many have been sold, noting the lack of data on sales tax revenue that would be lost. He argued the bill would shut down small businesses that pay sales tax to the city without addressing the actual problem of illegal operation.

Accused the majority of hypocrisy on diversity and equity, arguing they demand these values broadly but abandon them for election law by selecting only four Democratic-controlled counties. Characterized the bill as ultimate judge shopping and one-stop shopping for partisan advantage.

Raised concerns about unintended consequences including candidates receiving matching funds before qualifying for ballots and the fate of unused matching funds.

Voted in the negative on the measure.

Pointed out the hypocrisy of using metal detectors and armed security at the Capitol while opposing resource officers in schools. Argued that schools deserve the same security measures used to protect legislators.

Argued this is the first time one party has complete control of Senate, Assembly, and Governor's office, making them solely responsible for late budgets. Criticized the budget as unsustainable, noting New York is #1 in outmigration (319,000 people left last year), #2 in Tax Freedom Day, and has lost population to Florida. Called the budget 'pie and pork in the sky' and criticized $700 million in tax credits for Hollywood productions.

Pointed out that with Democratic control of the Senate, Assembly, and Governor's office, responsibility for the late budget cannot be blamed on Republicans, and asked who is responsible for the four-week delay.

Argued the majority has failed to pass a timely budget despite controlling both houses and the governorship, comparing the situation to the Titanic moving toward an iceberg. Stated he would not vote for debt service on debt constituents did not approve, and criticized the removal of bail reform provisions from the budget.