Approaching the start of another new year in New York State government, our focus always turns to looking ahead to the debates that await the governor and legislators - traditionally difficult challenges on education, economic development, environmental conservation, fiscal practices, infrastructure, public safety and security, and other key areas of public policy.

In the earliest days of the upcoming 2026 legislative session, the spotlight will be on Gov. Kathy Hochul as she begins setting the stage. Opening with her State of the State message to the Legislature on Jan. 13 and continuing with the unveiling of her proposed 2025-2026 state budget shortly thereafter, Gov. Hochul will spell out her priorities and the direction she intends to lead this state.

We are going to find out if the forces aligning behind a state government that continues to spend and tax beyond the means of New Yorkers to afford it will continue to win out in a state that clearly must rein in spending and reduce a tax and regulatory burden that’s already overwhelming for most state and local taxpayers.

I have said it many times before and I’ll repeat it approaching this new year: workers and families across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions I represent, and statewide, are worried about making........

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