NY Assemblyman Slams Democrats Over Affordability Crisis

Tannousis says Albany majority ignoring growing cost-of-living issues as state budget remains late

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:15pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic government office space with empty desks and chairs, the only light coming from warm diagonal sunbeams through the windows, conceptually representing the political gridlock over New York's affordability challenges.The political stalemate over New York's rising cost of living casts a somber mood over the state capital.NYC Today

New York State Assemblyman Michael Tannousis, a Republican representing Staten Island and Brooklyn, has criticized the Democrat majority in Albany for failing to address the state's growing affordability crisis as the state budget remains more than two weeks late.

Why it matters

New York has seen a steady rise in the cost of living, with residents struggling with high housing, food, and energy prices. Tannousis argues the Democrat-controlled legislature is neglecting these pressing issues by delaying the state budget process.

The details

Tannousis blasted the Albany Democrats, saying "While Albany Democrats drag their feet, hardworking New Yorkers are drowning in costs." He claims the majority party is ignoring the affordability crisis facing many residents across the state.

  • The New York state budget is now more than two weeks late.

The players

Michael Tannousis

A Republican New York State Assemblyman representing Staten Island and Brooklyn.

Albany Democrats

The Democrat majority in the New York State legislature.

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What they’re saying

“While Albany Democrats drag their feet, hardworking New Yorkers are drowning in costs.”

— Michael Tannousis, New York State Assemblyman

The takeaway

This situation highlights the ongoing political tensions in New York over the state's affordability challenges, with the Republican minority criticizing the Democrat majority for failing to prioritize these issues in the budget process.