Staten Island Reporter

State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, alongside fellow senators Andrew Lanza, Thomas O’Mara, Pam Helming, and Bill Weber, has addressed a letter to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. The correspondence urges the adoption of several key budget priorities in anticipation of the upcoming FY 2026 State Budget negotiations. These priorities align with the Senate Republican Conference’s "Liberate New York" policy agenda.

Senator Andrew Lanza emphasized the need for governance that empowers New Yorkers through lower taxes and safer communities. "New York has been driven off the rails by irrational leftist policies and bizarre priorities. We need common sense governance which will empower New Yorkers and lead us to our best future," he stated.

The senators are pushing for changes in economic, public safety, and quality-of-life measures that they believe would benefit millions of New Yorkers. Senator Ortt highlighted the opportunity presented by this year's budget negotiations: “For far too long our state government has been failing the people of New York State. This year’s state budget negotiations provide the perfect opportunity to reprioritize and make New York safer, more affordable, and more prosperous."

Senator Tom O’Mara expressed concern over current state priorities: “New Yorkers are making it clear that they think this state is on the wrong track, and our conference agrees. We need a redirection of priorities to focus on affordability, fiscal responsibility, lower taxes..."

Pam Helming pointed out an ongoing exodus from New York: “More and more New Yorkers continue to leave our state in search of better opportunities...We must RESET our priorities."

Bill Weber critiqued current spending levels compared to other states: “Budgets are about balancing wants and needs...we spend annually more than Florida and Texas combined." He stressed fiscal responsibility as essential for smart budgeting.

Key proposals from their agenda include child care incentives, tax reliefs for residents and small businesses, repealing green energy mandates deemed excessive by Republicans, housing cost reductions, prioritizing victims over criminals in public safety matters, healthcare system improvements including mental health services expansion in schools.

The Republican Conference also advocates for ending what they term as New York's "Sanctuary Status" regarding illegal migrants while promoting parental rights protection within educational settings.