09/03/2026
Statement by Suffolk County Republican Chairman Jesse Garcia:
Suffolk Executive Ed Romaine’s State of the County Address: No Increase in County General Taxes Next Year: Zero
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“In his State of the County Address this evening, Suffolk Executive Ed Romaine laid out a clear vision for the County: protect taxpayers, keep our communities safe, strengthen our finances, invest in our future, continue improving the quality-of-life families by preserving more and more open space and protecting our drinking water. All of which makes Suffolk County such a special place to live, work and raise a family.
“And his message to Suffolk County taxpayers could not be clearer:
“NO INCREASE in the County’s General Fund property tax levy Next year. ZERO.
“Suffolk County has strengthened its financial position, earned multiple credit-rating upgrades, and built reserves exceeding $800 million — demonstrating that fiscal discipline, responsible budgeting, and effective government can, and should, go hand in hand, under the leadership of Ed Romaine.
“But this is about more than numbers on a balance sheet. It is about making Suffolk County safer and more affordable for the people who call it home.
“Republicans promised to make Suffolk County safer and more affordable — and under County Executive Romaine’s common-sense leadership, working in partnership with our Republican Legislative Majority, they are delivering on that promise on behalf of the people of Suffolk.
“At a time when Long Island families are being squeezed by the rising cost of virtually everything due to the failed Democrat Party policies from Albany, Ed Romaine and our Republican Legislative Majority understand that government should be working to make Suffolk County more affordable — not reaching deeper into taxpayers’ pockets.
“That is the difference common-sense Republican leadership makes here in Suffolk County.
“Working together, County Executive Romaine and the Republican Legislative Majority are controlling spending, protecting taxpayers, strengthening Suffolk’s finances, and continuing to invest in the priorities that matter most to our families: public safety, clean water, infrastructure, technology, and our quality of life.
“The results speak for themselves.
“Republicans believe hardworking families should be able to keep more of what they earn. Republican office holders believe government must live within its means. Republican leaders believe public safety must remain a top priority. And County Executive Romaine and his GOP caucus partners believe taxpayers deserve a government that delivers essential services and invests in our communities without automatically turning to higher taxes.
“This is not about slogans. It is about results.
“County Executive Ed Romaine is demonstrating what can happen when leaders reject the failed tax-and-spend mentality and backdoor taxes of excessive fees. Instead, Ed Romaine and the Republican Legislative Majority govern with fiscal discipline, common sense, and a commitment to the taxpayers they serve.
“A safer Suffolk. A more affordable Suffolk. A stronger Suffolk.
“That is the agenda Ed Romaine outlined in his State of the County Address, and a promise to the voters. And together with our Republican Legislative Majority, Republican elected leaders are delivering.”
— Jesse Garcia, Chairman
Suffolk County Republican Committee