CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson Comments on 2026 State Budget

SYRACUSE, NY – Robert M. Simpson, president of CenterState CEO, in Syracuse, issued this statement following passage of the FY 2026 New York State Budget:

"The 2026 budget from Gov. Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature establishes needed investment in the resources and tools that will ensure Syracuse and Central New York can fully meet the historic period of growth happening in our community.

"We support the State’s commitment of $6.2 billion to New York’s unemployment insurance (UI) program, making the system solvent after borrowing from the federal government during the exponential rise in unemployment claims during COVID-19 pandemic. This payment will eliminate the UI surcharge New York’s businesses have been paying for the last four years to cover the program. Removing this cost to business owners enables a healthier, more competitive environment for businesses in Central New York and across the state.

"We applaud the $450 million dedicated to expanding SUNY Upstate University Hospital’s emergency department. The project will include expansions and improvements to operating rooms, as well as other critical care facilities at Upstate. As the only level-one trauma center for a large part of upstate New York, Upstate University Hospital needs these updates to relieve the strain we know already exists on the system. Addressing pressures facing the health care system is critical to ensuring Central New York can effectively care for its anticipated population growth. We thank Central New York’s legislative delegation, including Senators May and Ryan, Assemblymembers Hunter, Magnarelli and Stirpe for providing vocal and effective leadership to secure funding for this and other essential projects for our region.

"Likewise, civic and infrastructure investments are critical to ensuring that Central New York is ready to accommodate new growth ahead. The budget’s allocation of $116 million to Onondaga County for water infrastructure expansion and improvements is another necessary investment to meet increased demand from Micron’s project, in Clay, and other economic development projects in the region.

"Central New York also needs considerably more housing to accommodate current residents and those expected to move into the region. We are pleased to see measures within the budget to support home ownership and incentivize affordable housing development. The multifaceted approaches will help address both supply and demand, including strengthening the Pro-Housing Community Program with a $100 million investment, creating the State’s first revolving loan fund for mixed-income rental development outside of New York City and improving tools to unlock housing development, while enhancing housing access and affordability for potential homeowners.

"CenterState CEO applauds the governor and the legislature's ongoing commitment to investing in New York families, businesses and infrastructure, and we look forward to seeing these commitments take shape within our communities to support a thriving and more prosperous Central New York."