New York State led the nation in population decline from 2021 to 2022, losing 180,341 people. This followed a record loss of population in 2020-2021, as 319,000 New Yorkers left the State.
As she declared during her inauguration, Governor Hochul is hoping to address the decline as she begins her first term as elected Governor. On Wednesday, Governor Hochul presented a 2024 budget about $5 billion more than last year.
"As people leave New York State there's a smaller pool of people who are paying for this increased spending in New York. We need real solutions. I have not seen that," Republican Assemblyman Matt Simpson says.
Governor Hochul prioritized public safety, housing and costs in helping to address some of the needs of New Yorkers.
"It's not a news flash that New Yorkers already think they pay too much," Governor Hochul said.
The Governor has also touted job creation as a driving force against population decline. She also hopes her initiative to add 800,000 homes over the next few years will make it cheaper to live in the state.
"If they can afford to live here, which hopefully is going to happen with lower housing costs, and managing the energy costs, that's making it more livable, I think that's possible," Democrat Assemblyman John McDonald says.
The Governor has $5.5 billion in the budget to help promote energy affordability, which McDonald says needs to be a focus for livability moving forward.
While the proposed budget does not include a rise in income taxes in 2024, some say there were missed opportunities to help people and businesses save elsewhere.
"Property tax relief is a big issue," Simpson says. "Our taxes keep going up at the local level, while we're being mandated at the state level to comply with certain things."
The budget is set to be approved by the end of March, but the legislature is expected to weigh in with changes before it's fully approved.