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(Following is a release from E3 Communications, the public relations firm communicates on behalf of Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino.)
Mayors of Beacon, City of Poughkeepsie, Middletown, Dunkirk, and Niagara Falls traveled to the Capitol Wednesday to advocate for inclusion of the Governor’s auto insurance proposals in the FY27 State Budget.
The mayors met with key members of the New York State Senate and Assembly to discuss the importance of the proposals, which will save money for everyday New Yorkers. Additionally, they discussed the importance of the proposals to municipalities, which will achieve savings both directly on their municipal vehicles and indirectly on the vehicles of contracted providers. The mayors also highlighted the importance of the reforms to small local businesses and nonprofits, many of whom rely on vehicles to deliver goods and provide services.
New York drivers pay some of the highest car insurance rates in the nation, paying over $4,000 on average towards annual insurance premiums. These high premiums are a result of outdated and anomalous laws that enable fraud and encourage expensive litigation and put New York out of step with other states. Hudson Valley and Western New York communities need the Governor’s common-sense reforms that will align New York with other states, preserve the ability of victims to get the justice they deserve and crack down on the major drivers of auto insurance costs.
City of Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino said, “The Governor’s car insurance reform proposal aligns with what we have heard from residents across the city of Niagara Falls, the need for common-sense legislation that will make New York more affordable. Municipal fleets are challenged with high premiums that impact their budgets. We are confident that the Governor’s proposal will provide some budget relief for Niagara Falls.”
Beacon Mayor Lee Kyriacou said, “Auto insurance rates have been increasing for not only families, but municipalities as well, including police vehicles, Department of Public Works vehicles, and other essential parts of the government fleet. It is imperative that we fight to reduce the cost for our residents, and the Governor’s proposal does just that.”
City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers said, “Residents of the City of Poughkeepsie, from our nonprofit organizations and Main Street businesses to our hardworking families, are feeling the strain of rising auto insurance costs. Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposal to lower these costs is a practical and thoughtful step toward easing the financial burden on New Yorkers. That is why I traveled to Albany to join fellow mayors from across the Hudson Valley in advocating for these important reforms.”
Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano said, “Thank you, Governor Hochul for focusing on the affordability agenda and tackling the auto insurance crisis. Too many New Yorkers are facing high insurance rates, and it is squeezing our bottom line. The Governor’s proposals would provide much-needed relief.”
Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz said, “Dunkirk families and businesses are being squeezed by some of the highest auto insurance costs in the country. The Governor’s reforms are practical steps that will lower costs for our residents, reduce expenses for our city fleet, and support the small businesses and nonprofits that rely on vehicles every day. We went to Albany to make it clear: these changes are essential for communities like ours.”
