West NY News

Senator George Borrello issued a statement on June 7, 2024, reflecting on the end of the legislative session and expressing disappointment with the actions taken by his Democratic colleagues.

“Another session has concluded and with it, the hope that this would be the year when those in power would finally tackle the problems New Yorkers care about most,” Borrello stated. He highlighted public surveys indicating that approximately 60 percent of New Yorkers believe the state is on the wrong track, with top concerns being the cost of living, migrant influx, and crime.

Borrello criticized New York’s sanctuary policies, stating that over 200,000 migrants have entered the state in the past two years, creating logistical strains and a $4.3 billion burden on taxpayers. “My Republican colleagues and I have urged state leaders to rescind sanctuary policies to stop the influx,” he said. He also mentioned Laken’s Law which aims to allow law enforcement to cooperate with ICE on migrants who have committed crimes but noted there has been no response or action from state leaders.

The senator also condemned recent bail reform measures and other criminal justice changes enacted by Democrats. He cited instances where four police officers were killed and two others gravely wounded within a six-week period earlier this year. “Numerous Republican proposals to reverse bail reform...were ignored,” he added.

Regarding economic issues, Borrello pointed out that high taxes continue to drive residents away from New York State. He criticized what he described as excessive spending in the $237 billion state budget which spends $8 billion more than last year’s budget.

On energy policy, Borrello expressed relief that opposition led to removing the HEAT ACT from consideration this year but voiced concern over other mandates like the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Act. According to him, such measures impose burdens on manufacturers without significantly impacting environmental protection.

In closing his statement, Borrello lamented that "the session concluded without the legislature’s majorities taking any steps towards addressing New York’s most serious problems." He suggested Democrats will need to explain their decisions regarding crime rates, high taxes, energy costs, and immigration policies when they return home.

“I remain hopeful that...common sense of my Democratic colleagues’ constituents will finally prevail over demands of progressive activists," he concluded.