Finger Lakes Today

New York State Assembly member, Gallahan, expressed strong criticism towards the recently approved state budget in a statement released on Apr 20, 2024. Gallahan highlighted various shortcomings in the budget and voiced concerns about its impact on public safety and economic well-being.

Gallahan firmly stated, “This year’s state budget is a failure, and I had no choice but to vote ‘no.’ While there were some positive items included in the budget that I advocated for, unfortunately, the negatives outweigh these by far." The assembly member emphasized the lack of sufficient policies in the budget to protect New York citizens from crime and ensure the safety of police and corrections officers.

Criticizing the budget process and expenditure decisions, Gallahan remarked, “The governor and the Assembly Majority Conference’s strategies throughout the budget process have been dysfunctional, and their out-of-control spending has resulted in a record-breakingly bloated budget size that has increased 39% since 2018." The assembly member raised concerns about the negative implications of such excessive spending on New York state's economy, expressing disappointment in the lack of focus on addressing critical needs.

In conclusion, Gallahan emphasized the need for a more responsible and citizen-centric budget approach, stating, “This is shameful, and New Yorkers will not tolerate it. I voted ‘no’ on this irresponsible state budget—it does not address New Yorkers’ needs.” The assembly member's strong stance reflects a call for accountability and a reevaluation of budget priorities to better serve the interests of the people.