New York Governor Kathy Hochul said potholes and property taxes are two of her top budget priorities to help Long Island recover from the pandemic.
The governor touted several island-wide infrastructure projects and property tax credits at the Long Island Association’s State of the Region event on Friday.
Her proposed budget calls for $2.2 billion in property tax rebates and $1.2 billion in tax cuts for middle-class earners, plus investments in renewable energy and road repairs.
“We are going to go from potholes to ‘not holes,’ and I'm putting a billion dollars behind that,” Hochul told the business leaders. “And we're coming after them right here on Long Island.”
That includes $25 million to repave potholes on the Long Island Expressway and parts of Northern Boulevard. Hochul said the average New Yorker spends over $600 per year on car repairs due to damage caused by potholes.
Hochul said Long Islanders will also get help for small businesses and property tax relief.
“I've dedicated $2 billion toward reducing the property tax burden, because I know it's hitting people hard here on Long Island,” Hochul said. “Let's get that money out — an average of $1,300 per household this year.”