New York is one of the most popular states in the nation, but it is also one of the most expensive places to live. That is why restoring affordability remains a top political priority for New Yorkers among income levels, regions, and party lines.
With the state legislature back in session this week, I write as a former lawmaker, offering my support to those who now have just 60 in-session days to make good on their campaign promises to bring this problem under control. They have their work cut out for them in multiple sectors.
Fortunately, several concrete proposals are already sitting in Albany.
One long-discussed effort to tackle hidden pricing is the New York Junk Fee Prevention Act. The bill would require businesses to advertise the total price of goods or services upfront, banning the common practice of tacking on mandatory fees at the checkout counter. By stopping companies from hiding costs in the fine print, the legislation would make price comparisons easier, putting downward pressure on the state economy. The measure passed the state Senate last year and now awaits action in the Assembly.
Health care is one industry where targeted reform is especially needed. Drug companies are reporting price increases to the state’s Drug Accountability Board every month, which has all too often caused essential prescription drugs to become out of reach for everyday New Yorkers.
Encouragingly, the Senate has already approved the New York Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act, which would direct the state Department of Health to partner with manufacturers to bring new generic drugs into markets to lower costs. By increasing competition, the bill would help push drug prices down. The bill now awaits consideration in the Assembly’s Health Committee.
Energy affordability must also be part of any serious affordability conversation. Recent data shows that average New Yorkers’ monthly electric bill has risen by roughly one-third over the past decade, which is why 82% of state residents feel their energy bills are too high.
Last session, lawmakers narrowed a sweeping proposal known as the Customer Savings and Reliability Act to emphasize ratepayer protections, tighter oversight of utility spending, and grid reliability, responding to concerns about rising energy bills. While portions of the measure were enacted, broader reforms remain on the table and are worth another look at this session.
Affordability is also a concern that extends from household essentials to the cultural experiences that make New York so unique.
Event ticketing fees in New York State have risen more than 30% since 2016, often adding hundreds of dollars to each family’s ticket order. Fortunately, New York Attorney General Letita James is suing the company that controls 80% of event ticketing on monopolization and price gouging grounds, but now, she needs our elected leaders’ support.
The legislature should back laws that expand her authority to enforce the federal BOTS Act, the statute designed to stop ticketing platforms from allowing scalpers to use automated “bot” software to purchase massive blocks of tickets the instant they go on sale. At the same time, lawmakers should steer clear of the price controls that the ticketing giants have proposed, which economists warn would bankrupt smaller competitors and ultimately leave dominant firms with even greater power to raise ticketing fees.
New Yorkers are here to support our leaders and are excited about what they can accomplish over the next 60 session days. We don’t expect miracles. We just expect progress.
Ed Towns represented two Congressional districts (NY-10; NY-11) in Brooklyn for 30 years and was also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.