Monday, January 13, 2025
As the snowflakes begin to fall and twinkling lights adorn the streets, the holiday season casts a warm glow over New York — a state imbued with the festive spirit, yet often overshadowed by a political landscape dominated by a single party.
Did Albany Democrats learn anything from last month’s electoral defeat? The Legislature’s tone-deaf response tells the story. The recent State Education Department regionalization plan, congestion pricing, sanctuary policies and Gov. Kathy Hochul’s annual high-density housing plans are lumps of coal designed to decimate our suburban way of life and silence your voice and influence. Long Islanders’ holiday wish is to be left alone, and for Albany politicians to return to one guiding principle: common sense.
For far too long, discussions about public policy have been tangled in intricate frameworks and muddied by partisan debate. If we strip away the excess, however, we discover that common sense — defined by Merriam-Webster as “sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts” — should illuminate our path, especially in two areas that impact our daily lives: public safety and affordability.
The government’s premier obligation is the safety of its citizens. Yet thanks to Albany Democrats’ sanctuary policies, we learned recently that there are over 58,000 illegal migrants who are convicted felons or facing criminal charges roaming the streets of New York City. Over 1,000 of them are members of organized gangs. Sanctuary status prohibits law enforcement from sharing information with immigration officials, making all of us less safe.
This summer, the chilling discovery of dismembered body parts in a park in Babylon and surrounding areas sent shockwaves through the community not just because of the heinous act, but also because of the alarming way justice was served. Thanks to Albany Democrats’ no-bail laws, the suspects, initially charged with concealment of a human corpse, were released back onto the streets, with one re-offending shortly afterward.
How can such decisions be justified? State Senate Republicans put forward pragmatic proposals mandating that law enforcement cooperate with federal immigration authorities, restore judicial discretion, classify dismemberment and concealment of a human corpse as a bail-eligible felony, and bolster electronic monitoring for serious cases. Yet these common-sense solutions were left in the dark, overshadowed by political gamesmanship from Senate Democrats. When the safety of our communities hangs in the balance, it’s high time common sense triumphs over partisan politics.
The crushing burden of New York’s rising costs has become a disturbing reality for hardworking families across the state, exacerbated by six years of one-party rule in Albany. Over that time, annual state spending has erupted by more than $65 billion — an alarming 38 percent increase since Senate Republicans were last in the majority in 2019. Hochul’s outrageous proposal to allocate $2.4 billion — and a staggering $4.2 billion over two years — to mitigate the fallout of the ongoing migrant crisis only deepens the chasm of fiscal irresponsibility.
The warning bells are being sounded by even the most prominent Democrats. State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli foresees a daunting $36 billion cash shortfall over the next four years, thanks to skyrocketing expenditures and dwindling tax revenue as New Yorkers flee for lower-tax states. Instead of common-sense budgeting, fiscal chaos reigns — an economic Nightmare Before Christmas that defies logic.
As the cost of living climbs and essential services wither as a result of political neglect, it’s imperative that our decisions reflect the realities faced by younger generations of New Yorkers. We must prioritize policies that curtail excessive spending, rein in government overreach, incentivize economic growth, and create a landscape where businesses flourish, serving as the backbone of our state’s prosperity.
It’s simply common sense.
As we embrace the joy of the holiday season, let’s work together to advocate for policies that elevate our communities and encompass the needs of all New Yorkers. It is essential — regardless of political affiliation — to champion initiatives that prioritize public safety, economic viability and support for our vulnerable populations, including veterans, seniors and those with disabilities. It’s time for a return to basic principles rooted in sound judgment, prudent fiscal decisions and a commitment to safeguarding our communities.
As we light menorahs, decorate trees and prepare feasts, let’s demand that Albany commit itself to building a community that works for everyone, not just a chosen few. Together we can create a New York where seasonal cheer takes precedence, and the shadows of neglect are banished by the light of common sense.
Steve Rhoads represents the 5th State Senate District.
