FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBANY, NY (Jan. 20, 2026) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy association with more than 11,000 members in the Empire State, issued the following statement by NFIB New York State Director Ashley Ranslow in reaction to Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2026 Executive Budget Address this afternoon:

“The New York State Fiscal Year 2026-27 Executive Budget proposal rightfully rejects tax increases on small businesses and residents across the state, while proposing much-needed changes to the Empire State’s oppressive regulatory environment. Small businesses frequently site the overly burdensome, complex, and expensive regulatory landscape as an impediment to doing business in New York while also driving up costs for small businesses and consumers alike. NFIB also commends the Governor’s efforts to tackle the out-of-control increases in auto insurance premiums through common sense efforts to crack down on frivolous and expensive lawsuits. As lawmakers and state leaders begin budget negotiations, it is imperative that tax increases are soundly rejected, and no new mandates or burdens are passed onto Main Street businesses.”

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For over 80 years, NFIB has been the voice of small business, advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses and remains so today. For more information, please visit www.NFIB.com.