Senator Skoufis Attacks Governor Hochul's NY Budget Process

Senator James Skoufis, who represents District 42, nearly all of Orange County

Legislators on both sides of the aisle were livid, not only about some of the bills passed or not passed in this year's budget, but the process that got them there. Maybe that had something to do with the sleepless nights many of them had to spend on cots in the halls of Albany waiting for the debates about this or that bill being passed or not passed, often depending on the nod or her shaking her head with a Veto - "No" to this or that item. It's not unusual for legislators to have issues with this or that bill being passed or not passed, but this is the latest of any bill to pass in 15 years, and it leaves the door open for her veto power. He is pushing for a revision of the New York constitution that would reinstate the CO-EQUAL intent of the forefathers to keep the Legislature and powers of the Governor who he said has become increasingly authoritarian, as shown by her control of $254B of the budget while the legislature only controls only $375M which represents only 1/10 of one percent of the budget. On top of that she has unilateral authority to control CUTS in that budget.

He emphasized, "This is not at all representative of a democracy."

In a speech last week he especially slammed her control of Capital Expenditures with none allocated to Orange County, MTA costs without decent service for OC residents, poor management of the immigration issue, $800M spent for the film industry but zero for Pre-K. He plans to use his clout as Chair of the Legislative Investigative Committee to push his co-legislators to drastically increase their limited co-equal authority by overriding the vetoes, especially the onesshe passes while they are out of session. He added that while the Legislature usually "as a courtesy", waits until after the budget is passed for the Governor to ASK for the next set of bills, Skoufis emphasized that legislators should get them ready NOW and be ready if they need to override any vetoes.

Skoufis' full speech can be seen on his Facebook page.

Hochul's Budget Doesn't Make New York More Affordable

Hey Neighbor, 

Since I was first elected, I’ve been through 13 state budget negotiations. This year’s was the worst given how late it was - the latest in 15 years - and how authoritarian and bad-faith Governor Hochul operated with the Legislature. The Governor, already all-powerful due to a constitutional imbalance, leaves our budget having run roughshod over a Legislature that was effectively relegated to making suggestions and pleading for scraps.

This process is simply not reflective of a functioning democracy. And now, with the late budget finally coming to a disgraceful close, I’m calling on the Legislature to take action during the remainder of session to restore our essential checks and balances within state government.

Make no mistake: Contrary to the Governor’s premature victory lap, all while staff was sleeping on makeshift cots in the Capitol over the past week to complete the budget that she falsely claimed was already finished, this document does not make New York more affordable.

Her much-touted middle-class tax cuts were delayed until next year and the Governor’s $2 billion rebate check scam will hardly register as a blip in people’s bank accounts. Meanwhile, she continues to champion $800 million annually in subsidies to Hollywood, $100 million in taxpayer-funded political campaigns, billions more in wasteful economic development spending, and raises taxes to feed the bottomless pit at the MTA. Meanwhile, if the Governor ever got out of her helicopter, she would know the basics of government - like repaving roads or addressing crippling property taxes - continue to be neglected under her leadership.

This disgraceful budget process ought to serve as a wake up call to both parties and both chambers in the Legislature. Members of the Senate and Assembly need to support the two checks and balances available to us: oversight and overrides. As Chair of the Senate’s Investigations and Government Operations Committee, I’m determined to double down on holding the executive branch accountable for its action and inaction, with specific announcements coming in the weeks ahead.

Furthermore, the Legislature should no longer wait until the waning days of the calendar year - when we are long out of session and celebrating holidays with family - to send bills to the Governor so she can veto our legislation without time for recourse. Let’s send bills to her desk now, force her hand, and override her vetoes. I’m sick and tired of one individual - the Governor - superseding the will of up to 213 duly elected Senators and Assembly Members. The current operating procedure is nothing short of authoritarian.

Last but not least, we ought to pass and, via referendum, enact a constitutional amendment to empower the Legislature as a co-equal branch of government during budget negotiations. The Governor is not supposed to be a king or queen but, in effect, they operate as one. Fortunately, we do not have to wage a revolution or throw tea overboard to break our shackles from the monarchy: We simply need to have the guts to stand up for ourselves.

New York’s budget process is shameful. The good news is we in the Legislature can do something about it. Let’s get to work fixing democracy in our state.

Sincerely,

James Skoufis

As reported in Mid-Hudson News, republicans are also critical of the budget's result and process, Brabanec and Brian Maher saying the following:

“This budget is an outrageous failure of leadership, and that’s why I voted no on every bill,” Brabenec said. “At a quarter of a trillion dollars and five weeks late, it’s the largest and most bloated budget in New York state history. It’s packed with wasteful spending and does almost nothing to help the hardworking New Yorkers footing the bill.”

Maher took the budget to task for a proposal that would close up to three correctional facilities with only 90 days’ notice and the move to lower the hiring age for corrections officers to 18.

“We’re seeing deeply flawed decisions,” Maher said. “These are not cost-saving strategies: They’re reckless policy choices that jeopardize public safety and community stability.”

The budget increased by at least $13 billion compared to last year’s spending plan, drawing criticism from those who believe Hochul should be bracing for potential federal cuts and a recession. Highlights include providing “inflation refund” checks of up to $400 for millions of residents and prohibiting students from using smartphones during the school day starting this fall.

“Instead of providing real relief to struggling New Yorkers, the state is issuing $150–$400 tax rebate checks, thinly veiled political gimmicks that will cost taxpayers $2 billion,” Maher said.

Locally - Senator Skoufis is one of the few politicians openly Condemning DEC's Continued Failure of Proper Oversight of the Clovewood Proposed Project

“As currently proposed, the Clovewood development will overwhelm the small Village of South Blooming Grove by almost every standard. The current design is for a 600-home layout, but with the village’s new code for “accessory dwellings,” the potential number of units could be much higher. All told, the development will more than double the existing population of the community. 

“While I acknowledge the one concession made by the DEC - conditioning the permits on requiring the applicant to immediately resolve any water issues raised by existing residents - I’m otherwise extremely disappointed with the agency’s decision. I’ve opposed this project for many years, including calling out the developers for ignoring stop work orders when no other county or state elected official would. 

“The DEC is an executive branch agency and, thus, state legislators’ influence is limited to advocacy. I remain concerned with the Clovewood project’s many impacts and encourage local residents to report any issues as the project moves forward.”