Participants at a recent roundtable on affordability included Senator Pam Helming, SD 54; Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, SD 62; Bill Ferris (AARP); Travis Wattie (Big I); Mike Durant (Food Industry Alliance of NY); Jim Barbato (Rochester Homebuilders); Bob Duffy (Greater Rochester Chamber); Bob Farley and Cassandra Anderson (NYIA); Ron Epstein (NY Construction Materials); and Kim Gaylord (Builders Exchange of Rochester). Photo provided by Helming’s office
New York State Senator Pam Helming, joined by NY Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, along with local stakeholders and business representatives led a roundtable discussion focused on addressing the issue of affordability in New York State last month in Rochester. This affordability roundtable is one in a series hosted by members of the Senate Republican Conference in regions across the state while New Yorkers struggle to keep up with skyrocketing costs due to out-of-touch policies stemming from Albany, according to the state senators.
From childcare, housing, energy and utility prices, and burdensome mandates— New York is in a time of crisis, the Senate Republicans say. Over the course of these roundtable discussions, Senator Helming and members of the Senate Republican Conference listened to the concerns of the public and community stakeholders to assist in determining solutions to provide relief for New Yorkers.
“Across every sector represented here today, the message was clear: New York State must eliminate unnecessary mandates and regulations. These burdens inflate school and property taxes and drive-up costs for families, seniors, and job creators. Doing so should be a priority for all state representatives. Working together, we can create a future where our kids and future generations can afford to call New York home,” said Senator Pam Helming.
“New Yorkers are living in the most expensive state in the country, and under one-party rule, the cost of living has only skyrocketed further. Families and businesses are being crushed by unaffordable food, housing, energy, and healthcare costs, all exacerbated by misguided policies out of Albany. It’s important for our Republican Conference to hear directly from stakeholders about the challenges they face every day and the solutions they believe will make a difference. These conversations are crucial as we work to develop policies that can truly help make New York more affordable for everyone,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.
“The New York Insurance Association actively supports an insurance market that is stable, competitive and accessible, and achieving that requires us to assess the real factors driving costs. Affordability and availability are inseparable, and thoughtful policy decisions can strengthen both. We appreciate the Legislature’s willingness to engage in conversation and explore solutions that reduce risk, improve resilience, combat fraud, rein in litigation abuse, curb upward cost pressures and support a healthier marketplace. By working together, we can help ensure that New Yorkers across the state have access to reliable and affordable coverage,” said Cassandra Anderson, President, NYIA.
“Greater Rochester Chamber is committed to ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to what they need to grow, prosper, and thrive without breaking the bank. Throughout corporate and consumer supply chains, rising costs are hindering our region and our state’s economic competitiveness and future growth opportunities. Thank you to Senator Helming for your leadership on this critical and urgent issue. We look forward to continued collaboration with Senator Helming and other stakeholders to support policies and programs that will lower costs and uplift our community,” said Bob Duffy, President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.
“While affordability has long been a concern of the retail food industry in New York, the last few years have proven to be exceptionally challenging. From supply chain challenges, increased energy and labor costs to emerging issues such as the elimination of the penny, the retail food industry needs not just thoughtful discussions, but solutions. We appreciate the opportunity provided today by the Senate Republican Conference and we look forward to collaborating as we enter the 2026 legislative session to reduce costs on our industry and for consumers,” said Mike Durant, President & CEO, Food Industry of NY.
“New York’s transportation infrastructure is approaching a breaking point. The continued decline in pavement and bridge conditions – now among the worst in the nation – threatens public safety, economic competitiveness, and overall quality of life. Motorists are facing a growing affordability crisis, paying as much as $3,500 each year in vehicle repairs, wasted fuel, and lost time caused by failing infrastructure. Without decisive action and adequate funding in the upcoming budget, these challenges will only intensify, driving higher costs and deeper deterioration. We urge Governor Hochul and Legislative leaders to prioritize the investments needed to reverse these trends and ensure a safe, reliable transportation system for all New Yorkers,” said Ron Epstein, President & CEO, NY Construction Materials.
“While property and casualty insurance is especially sensitive to inflationary pressures—such as rising labor and material costs that push rates upward—the more troubling cost driver is the surge in insurance fraud and legal system abuse. Organized crime rings and a legal environment that enables abusive practices are placing immense strain on New York’s insurance marketplace, enriching a few at the expense of hard-working New Yorkers. The good news is that several legislative proposals aim to address this growing and costly problem, and Big I New York looks forward to continuing its work with policymakers to advance meaningful reforms,” said Travis Wattie, Assistant VP, Big I New York.
These discussions will offer over burdened New Yorkers an opportunity to discuss a path to make New York more affordable with a variety of local stakeholders. These events will take place in six locations across New York State.
