Assembly Republicans a responsible, necessary voice for New York

Long Island voters have a clear choice. Putting New York back on track starts with electing Assembly Republicans.

Albany's one-party rule has produced higher taxes, exploding spending growth and policies that treat suburban families as an afterthought. Assembly Republicans offer a responsible and increasingly necessary voice for affordability, fiscal responsibility, energy reliability and public safety.

A recent poll from The Business Council of New York State found 66% of New Yorkers want lawmakers to focus on affordability and cost of living. They're right. But while "affordability" promises have been made for years, New York keeps sliding in the wrong direction.

State spending has surged to levels once incomprehensible, driven largely by the legislature's unquenchable thirst for tax dollars. In recent years, the size of New York's budget has grown by more than $100 billion. That increase is larger than the entire budget of the vast majority of states. Every dollar Albany spends is ultimately a dollar taken from taxpayers, through income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes and endless fees.

New York consistently ranks among the nation's highest-taxed states. Long Island feels this the most acutely. Median property tax bills across Nassau and Suffolk counties routinely run in the $14,000 range, also among the highest in America.

At the same time, New York's average cost of living sits about 33% higher than the national average. Energy bills are 60% more expensive than in other states. Decisions in Albany have helped create an economic climate that's failing all of us. We take home less, but we pay more.

On the No. 1 issue Long Islanders are worried about, Assembly Democrats have compiled an affordability record to run from, rather than run on. Changing course won't happen by electing the people who put us in this predicament. If the house is burning, call the fire department. Don't wait for the arsonist to find an extinguisher.

Assembly Republicans have a clear, contrasting record of priorities and results. Our goals are fiscal relief, reining in runaway spending, protecting taxpayers and addressing cost drivers that hit Long Islanders hardest.

On energy, our "Lights On With Energy Relief" plan returns $2.4 billion to ratepayers from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority surplus funds. It calls for reviewing and resetting unworkable green mandates that drive up costs and threaten grid reliability. We want to preserve energy choice, require cost-benefit analyses on energy policy coming from the Capitol, and reengage proven, effective power sources so we know the lights are always coming on.

On taxes and spending, Republicans continue to push for restraint. We have championed the property tax cap that has limited annual growth for local governments and continued to advocate for further relief. We proposed price cuts by removing the state sales taxes on essential products families buy every day. We developed a comprehensive blueprint for childcare.

Republicans have offered common-sense fixes to failing criminal justice reforms like bail reform and continue to fight back against a pro-criminal agenda that undermines law enforcement, removes personal accountability and makes communities less safe.

In 2027, Assembly Democrats are poised to welcome into their conference as many as eight new members affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America. Republicans will continue to serve as a consistent counter.

As the first Assembly Republican leader from Long Island in almost 50 years, I'm proud of what we've achieved and the core principles that guide our conference. Long Island voters are searching for help on affordability, reliable energy and safer communities. They can find it with the Assembly Republicans.

This guest essay reflects the views of Assembly Minority Leader Edward P. Ra (R-Garden City South), who represents New York's 19th District.