Esposito’s budget criticism misses the mark

Dear Editor,

Yorktown Town Councilman and Deputy Supervisor Sergio Esposito gets an “F” for his criticism of the important investments being made to support our communities (“State budget fails affordability test,” July 2, Page 23).

Politics being what they are, it’s understandable that Esposito, a Republican, ignores the many successes of the Democratic majority in Albany. That means no mention of the middle-class tax cuts since 2019, which have resulted in the lowest tax rates in 70 years. No mention either of the expanded senior property tax exemption or increased exemptions for veterans and first responders.

As a small business owner, Esposito has benefited from the state paying off $6 billion in the federal unemployment insurance loan that was made to New York's Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.

Also, the Democratic majority has prioritized education funding, which has resulted in record increases of state aid for our public schools — funding that takes some of the burden off our local taxpayers. Esposito ignores this as well.

Like much criticism that is flung around, Esposito’s “overview” of the state budget fails to propose any alternatives. What are his ideas on helping residents with affordability issues? In what areas would he like to decrease state spending? On healthcare? Roads? Education? Child care for working families?

Constructive debate requires more than nearsightedness in addressing important issues — it requires a comprehensive view of the issues.

-Steve Goodstein, Yorktown Heights