Budgets reflect priorities, and State Representative Keith P. Brown of District 12 in New York says Albany continues to put government growth ahead of the needs of families. Brown highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Long Island residents, including rising property taxes, energy bills, groceries, and insurance costs.
“On Long Island, people are doing everything right: working, raising kids, caring for aging parents and running small businesses. Yet they’re still getting hit with higher costs at every turn, property taxes, energy bills, groceries and insurance. When the budget keeps expanding but the cost of living keeps getting tougher, it’s fair to ask: what are we paying for, and where is the relief?” Brown said.
Brown acknowledged some positive aspects in the governor’s recent budget presentation. “However, there were some pieces of the governor’s budget presentation that I was pleased to see, such as the enhancement of illegal vape enforcement laws, strengthening mentoring programs and the implementation of waterfront revitalization plans. These are common-sense proposals that I have been fighting for for years,” he stated.
He emphasized his willingness to support measures that lower costs and improve services while protecting taxpayers. “I approach this process looking for what works. If there are proposals that genuinely lower costs, improve services and protect taxpayers, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and help get them done. But New Yorkers also deserve basic safeguards, clear priorities, real oversight and a willingness to say ‘no’ to spending that doesn’t deliver results,” Brown added.
Brown concluded by calling for a focus on taxpayer needs in state budgeting decisions. “This budget needs to start with the people who fund it: the taxpayers. That means tightening the focus, cutting waste and making affordability the standard by which every line is judged, because that’s what Long Island families need right now.”
