Skyrocketing costs for housing, child care, energy, insurance and taxes are squeezing Long Island families and small businesses, prompting a Suffolk County roundtable aimed at finding ways to restore affordability across New York State.
The affordability forum brought together community members, local stakeholders and state lawmakers to discuss how rising expenses and state mandates are affecting daily life, from heating homes and paying mortgages to keeping businesses open. Participants shared concerns and offered ideas intended to ease pressures that many said are pushing residents to the brink.
The discussion was part of a broader series of regional roundtables organized by members of the New York State Senate Republican Conference, designed to gather local input and identify practical solutions that can be advanced in Albany. Organizers said the Suffolk session reflected frustrations heard across the state as New Yorkers struggle to keep up with the cost of living.
Senator Dean Murray said the issue affects residents in different but equally serious ways, making public input essential. “Whether it’s heating their home, paying for food, the cost of their mortgage or their auto insurance, the issue of affordability touches people in so many different ways,” Murray said. He added that hearing a wide range of perspectives generated constructive suggestions for relief.
Senator Anthony Palumbo said Long Island’s affordability challenges are being felt on multiple fronts at once. “Long Islanders are feeling the squeeze from skyrocketing health, home and car insurance payments, rising housing costs, property taxes, and higher energy prices,” Palumbo said. He noted that the mounting costs place a heavy burden on families, seniors and small businesses in one of the state’s most expensive regions.
Senator Alexis Weik said affordability is the top concern raised by constituents. “It is prohibitively expensive to live in New York,” Weik said, calling for reforms to address high taxes and the overall cost of living for families across Long Island.