Former assemblyman addresses joint legislative budget hearing with plea for state partnership
Mayor Zohran Mamdani returned to Albany for his inaugural Tin Cup Day as chief executive, delivering prepared remarks that emphasized partnership, denounced past acrimony between city and state, and appealed to lawmakers to address what he characterized as a historic imbalance in how the state treats New York City financially. Standing before the joint legislative budget hearing on February 11, Mamdani reflected on his prior service as a state assemblyman while calling for a new era of collaboration between City Hall and Albany that would transcend the antagonistic relationships of previous administrations.
A New Era of Partnership
In his prepared remarks, Mamdani said it was a privilege to return to Albany alongside old colleagues and friends, while acknowledging the unusual position of sitting on the opposite side of the legislative dais from where he spent five years as an elected state official. Mamdani thanked committee chairs and expressed appreciation for fellow legislators who had long advocated on behalf of working people and the city’s interests.
Addressing Broken Relationships
The mayor characterized the historical relationship between City Hall and state government as defined by pettiness instead of partnership and power struggles instead of problem-solving. Mamdani pledged to build a productive relationship with Governor Hochul and a collaborative relationship with the state legislature, signaling his desire to move beyond the confrontational dynamics that marked prior administrations.
Early Actions and Tenant Protection
In his testimony, Mamdani pointed to early actions his administration had taken, including standing up for tenants who have been mistreated and neglected. He commended Governor Hochul’s leadership on street safety efforts and her protection of immigrant New Yorkers from immigration enforcement actions. He also thanked the legislature for its advocacy.
Vision for the Future
Looking forward, Mamdani expressed his commitment to working in partnership with state leaders, including fulfilling campaign promises to make buses fast and free, referring to his agenda for mass transit. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to govern alongside legislators and pledged to prove to New Yorkers that leadership can not only look different, but that its results can be different too.
Detailed Questioning Session
Following his opening remarks, Mamdani faced hours of questioning from dozens of state senators and assembly members about everything from his budget goals to the city’s response to snow and extreme cold. He deferred at times to First Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan and Budget Director Sherif Soliman to explain both the city’s budget issues and needs. Mamdani stressed the importance of the state-city relationship and invited continued partnership as the budget process moved forward.
Signs of Honeymoon Ending
Observers noted that the generally cordial but skeptical reception Mamdani received suggested that the political honeymoon typically enjoyed by newly elected mayors was coming to its natural end. Lawmakers, both Democrats and Republicans, expressed skepticism about various aspects of Mamdani’s agenda, particularly his push for new taxes on wealthy New Yorkers and large businesses. State Senator John Liu noted that by mid-February, the administration needed to provide specific details about its plans.
Looking Forward
Mamdani’s testimony set the stage for months of budget negotiations as the city develops its fiscal plans and as Albany determines how much state support to provide to the city government.
