New York ranks highest in U.S. tax burden and mainland spending

A report by the non-partisan Citizens Budget Commission has identified New York as having the highest tax burden per resident in the United States. When combining all state and local taxes, the state ranks first in the nation for the amount of money collected from taxpayers.

In addition to its high tax burden, New York is the largest spender among mainland states, trailing only Alaska. The report notes that spending on programs such as Medicaid and public education per student has eclipsed that of neighboring states like New Jersey and Texas. The Citizens Budget Commission warned that these fiscal burdens, alongside a high cost of living, may weaken the state’s ability to attract and retain both residents and businesses.

The findings arrive during the gubernatorial campaign involving incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman. State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar criticized the findings, suggesting that high taxes are driving residents away from the state.