As a New York State Republican Senator, a proud Long Islander and a former union leader, I remain committed to ensuring that our region gets its fair share of resources, especially when it comes to infrastructure and transportation funding. This investment in our infrastructure is sorely needed and will help our economy in a multitude of ways.
First, of course, is that it is vital that we continue to ensure that our infrastructure is protected and that we continually invest in this important component of Long Island. The continued rebuilding of our infrastructure helps our economy both locally and regionally. It allows commerce to flow freely and helps our region attract visitors.
Secondly, it provides good union labor jobs for those who live in our communities. As a former union official in the construction industry, I know how critical local jobs for local people are for our residents. The funding New York State puts into our critical infrastructure helps the families who live here, build a home here and make our communities what they are.
That helps every single one of our residents in so many different ways and that is why it is critical that we fight for every dollar in funding we can get.
Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with the Long Island Contractors’ Association (LICA) to review their 2025 Three-Point Plan. I want to thank LICA and its leadership for their tireless advocacy on behalf of Long Island’s working men and women. The priorities are clear, necessary, and align with our shared goal: to make sure Long Island is not left behind in Albany.
One of most urgent needs funding of the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS). This program provides the very necessary funding that our region’s leaders use to fund a wide range of local road and bridge projects. It was, as everyone reading this knows, specifically designed to provide equitable infrastructure funding to suburban areas like ours.
Unfortunately, under the current leadership in Albany, Long Island continues to be shortchanged while billions are funneled into New York City’s failing systems and unsustainable policies. This continues the exploitation of our region as New York State’s ATM and that is simply unacceptable.
Long Islanders pay some of the highest taxes in the nation. We must continue to demand and rightly deserve roads and infrastructure that reflect the contribution of our residents. The ongoing neglect of our highways, bridges, and critical DOT projects is a matter of public safety and an economic threat. Without access to the proper and deserved funding to maintain our roadways, our region’s businesses, commuters, and families all suffer.
As a member of the Senate Republican Conference, I am proud to stand with my colleagues like Senator Thomas O’Mara (58th Senate District) to fight to get our fair share. We are proud to raise our collective voices to demand policies that respect our taxpayers, reward the efforts of our skilled union workers, and reinvest in our suburban communities.
While the 5.56% increase for Suffolk County and the 6.86% for Nassau County roads and workers that was included in the 2025-2026 Enacted State Budget is helpful, the reality is that it is still short of the 8.36% overall statewide increase. It shows that while we are making inroads, we must do better.
This is about fairness. This is about safety. This is about our hardworking men and women. And this is about making sure Long Island is never treated like an afterthought by Albany.
Thank you again to the dedicated members of LICA for your partnership. Together, we will continue to fight for smart infrastructure investment, fiscal responsibility, and a stronger Long Island.
Senator Mario R. Mattera represents the 2nd Senate District, covering parts of Suffolk County. He is a member of the Senate Committee on Transportation and a strong advocate for working families and infrastructure equity.