Statement from NYC Comptroller Brad Lander on the FY26 State Budget Agreement

New York, NY— New York City Comptroller Brad Lander released the following statement:

“As President Trump and Elon Musk create chaos by recklessly blocking grants, slashing funding, and driving up the risk of a recession, State leaders in Albany agreed upon a budget that gives New York City some additional stability – but we must do more to ease the astronomical costs of living and keep New Yorkers safe.

“Governor Hochul addressed a key concern for public safety by providing additional flexibility for involuntary hospitalization when a person with serious mental illness becomes a risk to themselves or others, along with a commitment to better coordination and more holistic discharge planning. These reforms will increase safety on our streets and in our subways — but they must be accompanied by a new ‘housing first’ approach at the City level that connects people to housing and services or they will simply keep cycling from subway to street to hospital, and then back again.

“New Yorkers are grateful for the additional money in their pockets through the rebate check that the Governor and Legislature agreed to. But we need to be even bolder in providing affordable housing and child care – right now those costs are crushing working families.

“Given the relentless attacks from Donald Trump and Secretary Duffy, New York City straphangers should give Governor Hochul recognition for her willingness to fight for congestion pricing and her commitment to fully funding the MTA’s Capital Budget.

“With this State budget agreement, New York City can now get serious about its own budget, which must do more to defend New Yorkers from Trump’s devastating cuts. The City is woefully underprepared without significant additions to its own Rainy Day Fund and General Reserves — which is why I’ve called for $1 billion to be added to each — to protect us against the risk of a recession or significant federal budget cuts. I will be watching closely to see if the Adams Administration takes serious steps to address the risks we face when the Mayor unveils the Executive Budget later this week.”

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