Senate leaders outline affordability, childcare and voting rights as 2026 priorities

Senate leaders used opening-day remarks on Jan. 6, 2026, to frame the majority and minority agendas for the 2026 legislative session. Minority Leader Ort highlighted affordability and tax relief measures, saying the Republican conference will "continue to advocate that one of the ways to make things more affordable for New Yorkers is to put more of their money back in their pockets." Ort also stressed public safety and environmental protection as priorities.

Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins outlined the majority's focus on affordability, naming rising utility costs, grocery prices and housing costs; she said the Senate will pursue universal childcare, strengthen health care and defend voting and equal rights. Stewart Cousins cited prior state measures such as the "Shields Act" as examples of state-level protections and urged bipartisan cooperation to "meet the moment."