How Capital Region officials voted on the state budget

State Senate: 41 Yes, 20 No

SD 41: Michelle Hinchey, D-Saugerties, Yes

Hinchey, who chairs the committee on agriculture, commended environmental wins in the state budget, noting that climate change is a present issue affecting communities.

“I’m proud to have secured one of the biggest infusions of state funding in the Kingston Waterfront, which will help reconstruct a portion of the bulkhead and stabilize part of the shoreline,” she said. “This funding will not only help safeguard a cherished environmental and cultural landmark — the Hudson River Maritime Museum — but also improve safe access to our historic waterfront, translating to support for our business community.”

SD 44: James Tedisco, R-Ballston Lake, No

SD 46: Neil Breslin, D-Bethlehem, Yes

SD 49: Mark Walczyk, R-Watertown, Excused

SD 51: Peter Oberacker, R-Schenevus, No

Oberacker, who voted no on nine of 10 bills included in the budget, expressed concerns for what the budget means for the state’s future.

“People are fleeing New York in droves and this state budget, crafted behind closed doors by Democrats, will only add to the exodus,” he said. “The late spending plan checks in at a record $237 billion and is riddled with unsustainable spending and misdirected policies.”

State Assembly: 101 Yes, 48 No

AD 102: Christopher Tague, R-Schoharie, No

AD 106: Didi Barrett, D-Hudson, Yes

AD 108: John McDonald, D-Cohoes, Yes

AD 110: Phil Steck, D-Colonie, Yes

Steck lauded cost-of-living increases for human services staff, including support, direct care, clinical and non-executive administrative workers, as well as funding for nonprofit programs benefiting those with substance use and mental health disorders. He expressed disappointment in other areas.

“Unfortunately, the State budget took a step back in funding vocational and job search services for persons in recovery,” he said. “The Governor cut over $11 million in funding for this program. We were only able to restore $3 million. I am not sure where this cut leaves the program"

AD 111: Angelo Santabarbara, D-Rotterdam, Yes

Santabarbara highlighted local beneficiaries of budget inclusions.

"As a civil engineer, I understand the importance of maintaining structures to ensure their safety and longevity,” he said. “That is why I fought tirelessly to secure $10 million in funding to address structural damage at miSci, safeguarding its future in Schenectady."

AD 112: Mary Beth Walsh, R-Ballston, No

AD 113: Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake Yes

Woerner pointed to education progress being made statewide.

“Education serves as the cornerstone of our present endeavors and the blueprint for our future aspirations. With an unwavering dedication to progress, the 2024-2025 state budget stands as a testament to our commitment to delivering opportunities,” she said. “This budget year, I secured a total of $316.9 million for schools in my district, an increase of $7.3 million over last year.”

AD 114: Matthew Simpson, R-Horicon, No

Simpson expressed dismay over a lack of ample support for nursing homes.

“Nursing homes are being grossly short-changed in this year's state budget, keeping facilities like the Elderwood Nursing Home [in Latham] at a perpetual risk of failing,” he said. “The funding provided in this budget falls well short of what is needed for care providers who rely on it. Furthermore, the Human Services Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) rates is also short of inflationary rates.”

AD 118: Robert Smullen, R-Johnstown, No

Smullen pointed to a number of reasons for his decision to vote no.

“The final budget is not only weeks late, but it is also bloated and fails to address a number of issues New Yorkers care about,” he said. “It does not provide financial relief to New York families who are being crushed by the weight of the state’s high tax burden. I voted ‘no’ on this year’s budget.”