Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt of North Tonawanda speaks at a Senate Republican Conference press conference.

On the eve of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s State of the State address, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and members of the Senate Republican Conference unveiled “Save New York,” a comprehensive legislative agenda of policy goals for 2026 aimed at combating Democrat one-party rule in New York. The Senate Republican agenda prioritizes hardworking New Yorkers – the New Yorkers left behind by radical, progressive policies coming out of Albany.

During the address, Republican members consistently noted that New York is in a time of crisis. Decisions made and policies pushed by Albany’s Democrats, they say, have delivered a state that is among the, if not the most unaffordable states in the nation.

“New York is one of the most beautiful states in the nation, and we should have people lining up who want to live and do business here — instead, people are leaving thanks to dangerous and out-of-touch policies championed by far-left lawmakers that have turned our state into a dystopian nightmare,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ort. “”The Republican conference stands ready to Save New York and restore sanity through common-sense policies.”

“Save New York” is a plan to improve and build a stronger New York for today and future generations includes these points:

— Provide Affordability and Economic Opportunity

— Create a Safer, Healthier, More Responsible New York

— Protect Students and Defend Parental Rights

— Hold Government Accountable

Some of the proposals noted for a more affordable state include:

— Personal income tax cut for all New Yorkers.

— A three-year freeze on property taxes and cap property taxes on homeowners over the age of 70.

— No state income tax on tips and overtime.

— Oppose the Democrat’s Green New Deal that imposes mandates on New Yorkers and drives up energy costs that include repeal of the All Electric Building mandate, repeal of the EV Mandate and all electric bus mandates.

— Embrace an “All of the Above” energy policy that will ensure affordable and reliable energy. • Make childcare, elderly care and healthcare more affordable.

— Cut housing costs, revitalize our housing stock, and increase housing supply by repealing the All-Electric Buildings mandate, reforming the State Environmental Quality Review Act by shortening review timelines and amending the State’s Building and Energy codes by lowering mandates to reduce construction costs.

“For too long, one-party rule in Albany has made New York less affordable and less safe, and hardworking families are paying the price. Instead of changing course, Democrats are moving even further to the left and now seem determined to embrace the socialist ideas coming out of New York City,” said Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay. “Their 2026 priorities include doubling down on reckless sanctuary policies, raising taxes on the very businesses that keep our communities running, shortening prison sentences, and forcing a costly climate agenda on New Yorkers that is unrealistic and incapable of meeting our energy needs. The Senate Republican ‘Save New York’ agenda is about reversing these harmful policies, restoring common sense, standing up for law-abiding New Yorkers, and making this state affordable, safe, and competitive again.”

New York’s decline was highlighted in a Public Policy Institute report released in the fall. It noted consistent population declines and sluggish job growth.

“Over the past ten years, jobs in the state have grown 7.3%, less than the United States’ 12%, and about one-third of growth in Florida (24.9%) or Texas (20.3%). Manufacturing and Trade Transportation & Utilities suffered actual job losses. There were small gains in construction, information, and government. Almost half a million jobs were added in education and health.”