ALBANY - On the first day of the 2026 Legislative Session, the New York State Assembly Minority Conference unveiled its comprehensive legislative platform for the coming year,  Fight For New York, with policies focused on delivering fiscal relief, protecting taxpayers, creating economic growth and job opportunities, and improving the quality of life for 20 million New Yorkers.

“New Yorkers deserve a brighter future and a better direction than what Albany’s One-Party Rule is providing. Our 2026 legislative agenda is built on common-sense legislation that reflects the needs and concerns of families across the state. For too long here, people have been paying too much and getting too little in return. Our plan removes barriers so all New Yorkers can grow and thrive in the Empire State,” said Minority Leader Will Barclay, (R,C-Pulaski).

The key pillars of the Assembly Minority’s 2026 agenda include: 

Facing the Affordability Crisis: Address one of the nation’s highest tax burdens, lower costs for families, and rein in runaway state spending that has increased by more than $50 billion since 2021.

Responsible Energy Policy: Review and reset unworkable climate mandates of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act to lower energy costs, preserve energy choice, and maintain the reliability of the state’s energy grid.

Health Care Reimagined: Provide affordable and innovative options to expand access to critical health care services and ease burdens to enrollment.

Prioritize Public Safety: Implement common-sense fixes to failing laws that continue to undermine our criminal justice system; make the overdue changes to correctional system policies to help support a workforce in crisis.

Expand Job Opportunities & Workforce Development: Advance initiatives to expand job training and apprenticeship programs; remove barriers to employment and facilitate economic growth by eliminating red tape and regulatory burdens.

Combatting Antisemitism: Stand together in support of the Jewish community to reinforce the message that antisemitism will not be tolerated; ensure public dollars are not used in support of groups or institutions that spread hate.

The Assembly Minority Conference has also launched a new website,  nygoppolicy.com, which highlights the Conference’s “Fight for New York”  2026 agenda and priority issue areas with accompanying legislative proposals. The online resource features issue summaries and easy-to-read information explaining key priorities, along with video remarks from Leader Barclay and Assembly Republican Members. Visitors can also find news updates, task force information, and ways to connect and stay involved on state legislative issues.

“Assembly Republicans are excited and ready to work on these priorities. The start of a new legislative session provides the opportunity to make overdue changes that puts New York on more prosperous path,” Barclay said. “Our policy agenda outlines areas where New York can do better – and we have a responsibility to deliver.”

Assemblyman Joseph Angelino (R,C-Norwich)brepresents the 121st and said, “As I prepare to begin another legislative session, I am reminded of just how humbled I am to represent my neighbors in the 121st district; it is truly an honor of a lifetime. That is why I am committed to helping improve the lives of those I represent by fighting for our shared upstate values. I will work across the aisle when there is common ground, but I will also not be afraid to continue to push back on the radical ideas coming from Albany and Gov. Hochul that make our lives less affordable and safe,”

  New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo also spoke about the the start of 2026 Legislative session:

  “A new legislative session has begun, and with it, once again, comes a significant opportunity to make substantive changes that will stop the mass exodus of New Yorkers from our state.

“It is evident that, under one-party control, the legislative majorities and governor have not addressed or taken the action necessary to truly reverse this troubling population loss.

Under their leadership, we have seen unsustainable state spending and significant budget deficits, tax and fee increases, the coddling of criminals, more onerous regulations and mandates on local governments, schools, businesses and industries and problematic policies that have only further burdened New Yorkers and their families.

This flawed approach, as well as token efforts to address affordability and crime, is not sufficient. New Yorkers continue to struggle. They need real relief now or else they will continue to flee the state at alarming rates and those who remain will be forced to pick up even more of the tab.

As the new legislative session moves forward, I, along with my Conference, will advance recommendations, suggestions and solutions that we believe will end the exodus, improve the lives of New Yorkers and move our state forward  and into a better and brighter future.

This includes  cutting  energy costs and utilizing a diversified energy portfolio; providing for real  tax  cuts and relief; reducing regulations and mandates; creating and supporting economic opportunities and job growth; improving the state’s business climate; investing in our infrastructure; supporting small businesses, schools and communities; enhancing public safety; protecting public health; capping state spending; and strengthening the labor force.

As always, I am ready to work with anyone who is willing to undertake bold new initiatives that will deliver real results for struggling New Yorkers. I also will continue to fight to ensure that the voices, concerns  and  needs of Upstate New York are met  and  that all regions of the state are treated equally  and  fairly.”

- Information from the Office of Rep. Angelino and Sen. Griffo