Capital District Times

As the New York State Legislature embarks on its 2025 session, Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) is set to focus on policies aimed at making New York more affordable for residents, especially senior citizens and young families. With a trend of residents relocating to states with lower living costs, Bendett is committed to advocating for changes that enable New Yorkers to remain in their communities.

“New York state has become increasingly unaffordable, and this is hitting our seniors and younger families the hardest,” said Bendett. “It’s time for our government to act on behalf of those who have spent their entire lives here, paying into the system, and now find it impossible to live comfortably as they grow older.”

During his first term, Bendett engaged with seniors across his district through town halls to understand their concerns. He intends to continue these interactions to stay informed about the issues important to his constituents.

“Many of our older residents are being forced to leave the state for lower property taxes and affordable living in places like Florida and the Carolinas. It’s time we put policies in place to keep these New Yorkers here, living out their retirement years with dignity,” Bendett stated.

Key issues facing New Yorkers include rising property taxes and increasing food and housing costs. Bendett observes these challenges firsthand in his district, where median home prices have surged. In Bethlehem, where he resided for ten years, the median home price has reached $420,000; in Kinderhook village it is now $625,000, while it's $439,000 in the town.

“Where are young families supposed to afford homes in places like this? It’s pricing people out of the communities they grew up in, and it’s devastating,” said Bendett. “Even seniors who have owned homes for decades are finding it unaffordable to stay in their own neighborhoods.”

Bendett aims to address affordability by advocating for property tax relief and reducing regulations that hinder affordable housing development. “In some parts of my district builders are now only constructing homes for the wealthy because it’s no longer worth it to build an average single-family home,” Bendett explained. “We need to cut red tape and make it easier to build homes that families can afford.”

As the 2025 Legislative Session begins, Bendett remains dedicated to improving life for his constituents—particularly seniors and young families—who face high costs in New York. He looks forward to continuing his work in Albany toward policies that help all New Yorkers remain in their beloved state.