Assemblyman Pirozzolo: “Only One Job, and Albany Still Can’t Get It Done”
A Statement from Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo (R, C-Staten Island)
Editor’s note: Assemblyman Pirozzolo commented on the state budget that was passed last year, in Fiscal 2025, that it empowers criminals and puts the needs of illegal migrants over those of native New Yorkers. He also shared some of the budget highlights that were positive, including some of the methods in it that could combat retail theft and hate crimes. The City last year hosted a roundtable in which they discussed the new budget, which was passed without any disruptions to critical services or layoffs of City workers.
“Once again, Albany’s Democratic Majority has managed to do the impossible: miss the deadline for the one thing they’re actually required to do—pass a state budget. We are now 22 days past the due date, which leaves local towns, schools, and law enforcement agencies across New York in the dark as they finalize their own budgets. The lack of leadership is unacceptable, and the consequences are real.
“While everyday New Yorkers are heading to work, paying their bills, and doing their part, Albany’s Democrats are still behind closed doors, treating the state budget like it’s a group brainstorm session, instead of the constitutionally required responsibility it actually is. As the calendar flips past yet another deadline, Staten Islanders are left watching this embarrassing circus, wondering why a full-time Legislature with an over a quarter-of-a-trillion-dollar checkbook can’t manage to do the bare minimum.
“Passing the state budget isn’t optional. It’s not a group project that you can turn in late and still get a trophy. It’s the only assignment the Legislature is required to complete, and somehow, Albany’s far-left ‘leaders’ still can’t stop tripping over themselves long enough to get it done. While the progressives are busy drawing up fantasy wish lists, we’re focused on the basics, like funding our schools, who are required to submit their budget proposals next week without knowing what state funding will be available to them. It should be a priority to protect our streets and make sure Staten Islanders don’t get stuck holding the bag for another year of Albany dysfunction that is filled with pro-criminal policies and puts our communities at risk.”
Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo represents the 63rd Assembly District, which encompasses parts of the North Shore, including Emerson Hill, Sunnyside, Bloomfield, Travis and Chelsea.
Banner Image: Budget political cartoon. Image Credit – Asm. Pirozzolo
Assemlymember Sam Pirozzolo
Sam Pirozzolo is a native Staten Islander. He is a frequent contributor to the Staten Islander, and is well-known and loved by people on both the Right and Left, in his North Shore community. Sam brings people together, instead of dividing, by speaking common sense and analyzing our island's, and city's, issues, with intelligence and concern for all. Sam Pirozzolo was elected to the New York State Assembly on November 8, 2022. The 63rd Assembly District represents parts of Richmond County. Sam has successfully operated his family’s optical practice for 33 years. He is the past president of Community Education Council 31 where he served for seven years. Some of his most notable accomplishments include the creation of a Gifted and Talented program for middle school students, the recommendation for the NYC Department of Education to hire retired police officers as school resource officers, and the successful fight for the immediate cleanup of toxic PCBs leaking from the light fixtures in school classrooms. As an education advocate, Sam has participated in historic litigation that led to the return of more than $4 billion to New York public schools. He also fought to ensure that co-located charter schools receive the same capital funding as their host public schools. While serving in the Legislature, Sam will work to support law enforcement officers with proper funding, fix broken bail and parole policies, and help small businesses grow and thrive in a stronger, more resilient economy.