In Albany, the New York State Senate has approved a $254 billion state budget for 2025-2026. The decision came after lengthy discussions and debates, culminating in a late-night vote on Thursday. Senator Peter Oberacker expressed strong disapproval of the budget, highlighting what he sees as misplaced priorities and excessive spending.
Oberacker acknowledged some positive aspects of the budget, such as “universal free breakfast and lunch in schools, continued investments in school-based health centers, and $5 million in new grant funding for meat processors.” He stated that these initiatives are beneficial to families and small businesses in upstate communities.
Despite these positives, Oberacker criticized the overall direction of the budget. He argued that it is “completely disconnected from the needs of everyday New Yorkers,” particularly criticizing expanded housing vouchers for migrants and what he described as secretive deal-making.
Oberacker also took issue with plans to close more state prisons, a move he claims adversely affects upstate towns. “This isn’t reform, it’s retreat,” he said. He accused Governor Kathy Hochul’s policies of harming local economies by closing correctional facilities without addressing crime issues adequately.
A particular point of contention for Oberacker was a $10 million appropriation earmarked for Attorney General Letitia James’s legal defense amidst an FBI investigation into mortgage fraud. Oberacker condemned this allocation as an unethical use of public funds that could be better spent on infrastructure or supporting small businesses.
He concluded his remarks by accusing Governor Hochul and her allies of prioritizing politics over people. Oberacker vowed to continue advocating for his district by promoting basic needs such as safe streets, strong schools, lower taxes, and a robust economy across New York.
