Budget Framework

In Washington, D.C., lingering tension between House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) burst into public view last week after Stefanik pushed back on Johnson’s claim that he had spoken with her about running for Governor of New York. On Twitter, Stefanik posted, “This is not true. I have had no conversations with the Speaker regarding the Governor’s race.” The relationship between the two has deteriorated as Stefanik reportedly blames Johnson for Trump pulling her nomination to serve as U.N. ambassador due to the slim majority in the House. Stefanik has also not yet been added to the House Intelligence Committee after Johnson promised to do so. Johnson met with Stefanik on Wednesday, but denied any bad blood, saying, “This is a totally friendly, collegial thing. She’s a close friend and ally.” Should Stefanik choose to challenge Hochul, she would be a strong favorite to win the GOP primary, according to a recent poll. 

To mark his first 100 days in office, President Donald Trump held a rally in Warren, Michigan, at Macomb Community College last week. Metro Detroit’s Macomb County has been an epicenter of American politics. The region was the most Democratic suburb in 1960 and became the most Republican suburban county just 20 years later in 1980. This phenomenon was largely attributed to “Reagan Democrats”—working-class, socially conservative white Americans who felt left behind by governments and institutions. It was at Macomb Community College where Reagan, a former Democrat, famously said, “I didn’t leave my party; my party left me.” That message resonated then, and Trump is hoping it resonates with voters now as he continues reshaping the federal government and the American economy. Speaking to rallygoers, Trump said, “We've been abused by friend and foe, and in many cases, friend has abused us more so than foe on trade. So, I want to just let you know you're going to be very proud of this country very soon, and with my China tariffs, we're ending the greatest job theft in the history of the world.” More controversially was an interview yesterday on “Meet the Press.” Asked by NBC’s Kristen Welker whether it is, “OK, in the short term, to have a recession,” Trump shrugged. “Look, yeah, it’s—everything’s OK,” he responded. “This is a transition period. I think we’re going to do fantastically.” Watch the clip from NBC News.

Much of Trump’s domestic policy agenda will hinge on the ability of Speaker Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-N.D.) to walk a fine line between GOP hardliners who want to see deep spending cuts and more moderate members who are hesitant to cut services that their constituents rely on. Nowhere is that dilemma more pronounced than in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicare and Medicaid, and is tasked with finding over $800 billion in cuts under the House budget blueprint. Members have floated cutting the federal share of Medicaid payments to states that have expanded programs under the Affordable Care Act, as well as an alternative plan known as “per capita caps” that would shift the cost burden onto the states for any coverage beyond the federal allocation. Still, some GOP members worry that either plan would risk healthcare services for millions of low-income Americans. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), a moderate Republican from Nebraska, indicated that he would not support a bill that cuts more than $500 billion, and Rep. David Valadao, who represents the highest percentage of Medicaid recipients of any House Republican, said even that may be too much. Valadao declared, “I still think $500 billion is a lot, depending on how they score things. It might be all foo-foo numbers just to make people happy.” Even if Johnson gets his divided caucus behind a single bill, the Senate will still have to reconcile that with the budget blueprint they passed earlier this year, which does not prescribe the level of cuts House Republicans are eyeing. 

A great example of how hard Johnson’s job is was the failure to reach an agreement in a meeting last week with “SALT Republicans,” a group of GOP House members pushing to raise the federal cap on state and local tax deductions. The cap disproportionately impacts citizens in states like New York and California with higher state and local taxes, and much of the GOP conference rejects the idea of providing a de facto tax cut for blue states. Republican Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY) said after the meeting, “It was a lively discussion, but we’re still far away.” Johnson was more optimistic, offering, “We heard some very valuable input from the members of the SALT states and completely understand their priorities, and we’re trying to work that in and find consensus on the right number, and we will.” The previously unlimited deduction was capped in 2017 as one of the main ways to offset some of the costs of the tax cuts enacted that year. If Republicans were to lift the cap, they would need a new cost offset as they seek to renew the 2017 tax bill.  

Furthermore, Republicans are grappling with some of Trump’s specific promises, including his campaign vow to eliminate taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits, as well as his recent suggestion that tariff revenue means that the U.S. could stop taxing income under $200,000, NYT’s Andrew Duehren reports. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) is a critic: “My beef with what’s being proposed right now—there’s no guiding principle other than, ‘well, this is what President Trump promised on the campaign.”

Additionally, the White House is preparing to formally ask Congress to cancel nearly $10 billion in already approved funding for public broadcasting, foreign aid initiatives, and other programs the Trump Administration wants to axe. House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) said he is open to the idea, but wants to work with the White House before they submit the so-called “rescissions package” to avoid a long and arduous markup process. Speaking to reporters, Cole said, “I prefer the input being informal and ahead of time. We’re in no hurry. Government doesn't depend on this. Nothing depends on this. It's an exercise in saving money, becoming more efficient. Those are important things to do. And I can get them done quicker when I see what I'm dealing with, and particularly when the cardinals are involved in decisions and have a chance to make their input and their suggestions.” 

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Assemblymember Patrick Chludzinski, a Republican, represents New York’s 143rd Assembly District, covering the Erie County towns of Cheektowaga and Lancaster, the villages of Depew and Sloan, and parts of Buffalo’s Ellicott, Fillmore, and Lovejoy Districts. A decorated military veteran and career law enforcement officer, Pat brings more than two decades of public service to the State Assembly.

Pat joined the Cheektowaga Police Department in 1999 and steadily rose through the ranks to become Detective Lieutenant of the Youth and Family Offense Unit. Over his career, he completed 26 specialized law enforcement trainings and was awarded six Distinguished Conduct Awards and multiple Letters of Commendation for his service, including for the apprehension of armed robbers. He also served as Commander of the Cheektowaga Police Honor Guard from 2014 until his election to the Assembly.

A U.S. Army and Army National Guard veteran, Pat was activated after the 9/11 attacks to assist in search and rescue efforts at Ground Zero. He later served in Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom, earning numerous honors, including two Army Commendation Medals with Combat Valor Device and a Combat Service Badge.

With a deep understanding of the public safety and economic challenges facing New Yorkers, Pat is committed to making the state a safer, more affordable place to live and raise a family. He holds a degree from Erie Community College and studied Psychology and Criminal Justice at Buffalo State College.

Pat lives in Cheektowaga with his wife, Tanya, and their three daughters—Ava, Kendra, and Reyha. His lifelong dedication to service continues to guide his work in Albany on behalf of the 143rd District.

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