Gov. Hochul proposes $227 billion state budget; downstate businesses concerned over potential tax raise

The budget includes more than $1 billion in annual investments for the MTA.

News 12 Staff

Feb 1, 2023, 10:41 PM

Updated 499 days ago

Share:

Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed a $227 billion budget for New York's fiscal year 2024 that is causing concern among some Hudson Valley business owners. 
One of the most scrutinized parts of the budget so far is a plan to increase taxes on downstate businesses to plug the MTA's budget deficit.
Suburban business owners and advocates are concerned about the idea of paying more in payroll taxes to help the MTA balance its books.
"[What] we can't continue to have is to put obstacles in the way of businesses wanting to come to New York and stay in New York,” said John Ravitz, of the Business Council of Westchester.
Hochul's plan calls for increasing the top rate of the payroll mobility tax to generate an additional $800 million annually while also considering a fare hike.
Republicans are concerned about the governor's plan for bail reform and state housing compact which would force local municipalities to amend zoning laws around public transit hubs to build more homes.
"They feel less safe, they can't afford to live here and I just think the answer of proposing the largest budget in the state's history misses the mark entirely,” said state Assembly Member Matt Slater.
The governor is receiving high marks for proposing a historic $35 million in school aid, $1 billion in mental health resources and a commitment to increase public safety.
Still, many Democrats say they want to do more.
"The legislature is willing to go further than the governor is overall, broadly speaking,” said state Assembly Member Sarahana Shrestha.
Other parts of  Hochul’s plan include raising the cigarette tax, increasing child care assistance by more than $7.5 billion over the next four years and investing $5.5 billion in affordable energy.
Budget negotiations are expected to be intense over the next two months before the April 1 deadline.
Lawmakers say several proposals are already becoming issues, including how much to tweak bail reform and whether to lift the cap on charter schools.


More from News 12
1:59
Revelers enjoy Juneteenth festival and parade in Yonkers

Revelers enjoy Juneteenth festival and parade in Yonkers

2:11
Pleasant weekend in the Hudson Valley ahead of expected heat wave

Pleasant weekend in the Hudson Valley ahead of expected heat wave

1:57
Rep. Bowman, Latimer encourage voters to cast ballots early

Rep. Bowman, Latimer encourage voters to cast ballots early

0:29
Police: 2 arrested for stabbing man in New Windsor

Police: 2 arrested for stabbing man in New Windsor

0:29
Saugerties man convicted of manslaughter for fatally beating man in 2022

Saugerties man convicted of manslaughter for fatally beating man in 2022

2:04
Village of Sleepy Hollow raises Pride flag for first time despite opposition from some residents

Village of Sleepy Hollow raises Pride flag for first time despite opposition from some residents

2:04
Kevin Jonas undergoes surgery to remove common skin cancer; urges fans to get checked

Kevin Jonas undergoes surgery to remove common skin cancer; urges fans to get checked

Is your dad awesome? Hudson Valley tell us why your dad rocks!

Is your dad awesome? Hudson Valley tell us why your dad rocks!

1:39
Showing support for Ukraine in the Hudson Valley during Yonkers Ukrainian Heritage Festival

Showing support for Ukraine in the Hudson Valley during Yonkers Ukrainian Heritage Festival

0:47
Westchester Medical Center pioneers robotic procedure to help those with severe hearing loss

Westchester Medical Center pioneers robotic procedure to help those with severe hearing loss

0:29
Carmel police warn people about recent car burglaries

Carmel police warn people about recent car burglaries

0:35
Prosecutors: Former Wallkill firefighter sentenced to prison for 2021 arson incident

Prosecutors: Former Wallkill firefighter sentenced to prison for 2021 arson incident

1:47
EXCLUSIVE: News 12 uncovers police data that shows 19 children struck by vehicles in Ramapo in 6 months

EXCLUSIVE: News 12 uncovers police data that shows 19 children struck by vehicles in Ramapo in 6 months

1:28
Officials: 7 people injured, 13 families displaced in Yonkers fire

Officials: 7 people injured, 13 families displaced in Yonkers fire

0:33
Dutchess County Sheriff's Office: Connecticut man killed in Town of Dover crash

Dutchess County Sheriff's Office: Connecticut man killed in Town of Dover crash

1:03
PARENTS: Dutchess County children lost for 2 hours on nightmare bus ride home

PARENTS: Dutchess County children lost for 2 hours on nightmare bus ride home

1:35
Orange County billiard player wins national championship, first competitor from Hudson Valley to do so in 30 years

Orange County billiard player wins national championship, first competitor from Hudson Valley to do so in 30 years

0:23
Democratic Westchester DA candidate Adeel Mirza drops out of race

Democratic Westchester DA candidate Adeel Mirza drops out of race

0:46
Police: 1 killed, 2 injured in East Fishkill collision involving garbage truck

Police: 1 killed, 2 injured in East Fishkill collision involving garbage truck

2:19
Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts provides summer entertainment in Katonah

Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts provides summer entertainment in Katonah