Candidates Clash on Taxes and Minimum Wage in Final Push Before Vote
Palumbo and Murray present opposing plans for state spending, labor costs, and health care in a District 1 race decided this week.
By Christopher Singh ·
State Sen. Anthony Palumbo and challenger Chris Murray offered sharply different plans for New York State’s finances and labor laws in a final interview before the Nov. 3 election. The two candidates for State Senate District 1 disagree on how to handle state surpluses, the minimum wage, and the role of government in health care and housing.
Palumbo, a Republican who has served in the state Senate for six years, argued that state regulations and spending increase costs for residents and businesses. He cited more than 80 bills passed during his tenure and called for lower taxes and reduced government spending. Palumbo said state surpluses should be returned to taxpayers. He also discussed a possible phased elimination of state income taxes for residents below a specific income threshold.
Murray, a Democrat and former chair of the Suffolk County Community College board, proposed a different approach. He wants to reduce the state sales tax by one percentage point while raising taxes on the wealthiest earners. Murray supports the New York Health Act, which would establish a statewide single-payer health care system. He also advocates for interest-free savings accounts for first-time homebuyers.
The candidates also took opposing sides on the state minimum wage. Palumbo said rising labor costs can hurt small businesses. He suggested exempting microbusinesses from minimum-wage requirements. Murray defended wage increases, arguing that full-time workers should be able to support themselves. He called for adjustments to account for inflation.
When asked about their records, Palumbo pointed to a housing program serving five East End towns. He said the program has raised more than $100 million over three years. Eligible first-time homebuyers can receive up to $180,000 in down payment assistance for homes priced up to $975,000. The program also offers a forgiveness provision for qualifying volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians.
Murray highlighted his work at Suffolk County Community College. He said he helped freeze tuition for three years during the pandemic through budget adjustments. He also pointed to the college’s role in serving veterans and students facing financial barriers to education. The two candidates will face voters in the general election on Nov. 3.
