Griffo Calls for No Tax on Overtime and Tips to Ease Financial Burden on New Yorkers

As New York State continues to engage in budget negotiations, State Senator Joseph A. Griffo is pushing for significant tax relief to help ease the financial strain on residents. In response to the Senate and Assembly’s One-House Budget Resolutions, which he believes fail to provide meaningful relief for struggling New Yorkers, Griffo is advocating for the elimination of state income taxes on overtime pay and cash tips.

“New Yorkers are facing increasing financial burdens, and the state has become more and more unaffordable,” Griffo said. “We must do everything we can to ensure that more of our hard-earned money stays in our pockets.” To this end, Griffo is backing two key pieces of legislation: S.3914, which seeks to eliminate state income taxes on overtime pay, and S.587, which would remove state income taxes on cash tips considered as wages or compensation. Griffo argues that these changes would provide much-needed relief to workers who are already dealing with rising costs of living.

While Griffo supports certain aspects of the One-House Budget Resolutions passed by the Senate and Assembly, he strongly criticizes other elements of the proposal. Specifically, he points to the proposed $17 billion increase in state spending, a move that he believes will further burden New Yorkers. “This is not the direction our state should be heading,” Griffo said. “Raising taxes and increasing spending at a time when so many families are struggling is simply not the solution.”

In addition to the spending increase, Griffo raised concerns over certain policy provisions in the budget proposal. He criticized the lack of balance in addressing the state’s needs across all regions, the unrealistic energy regulations that could drive up energy bills, and the inclusion of policy items that should be discussed outside of the budget process. He is particularly concerned that the proposed energy regulations could eliminate natural gas as a heating option for homes and businesses, further driving up costs for New Yorkers.

Looking ahead, Griffo remains committed to pushing for a fiscally responsible budget that prioritizes affordability and provides real relief to families across the state. As the budget negotiations continue, he plans to advocate for policies and reforms that will help build a safer, stronger, and more affordable New York.

Griffo’s push for tax relief on overtime pay and tips is just one part of his broader effort to address the financial struggles facing many New Yorkers. He believes that New York’s government must shift its approach to ensure that the state is affordable for all residents, regardless of their income or region. With the budget process still underway, Griffo is determined to continue advocating for changes that will make the state a more prosperous place for everyone.