Five mayors in New York were in Albany this week advocating for Governor Kathy Hochul to include her proposals for saving money on auto insurance in the 2026-2027 state budget. The group of mayors, which included Dunkirk's Kate Wdowiasz, met with key members of the Senate and Assembly on Wednesday to discuss the importance of the proposals. They also discussed the importance of the proposals to municipalities, which aim to achieve savings both directly on their municipal vehicles and indirectly on the vehicles of contracted providers. The mayors also highlighted the importance of the reforms to local small businesses and nonprofits, many of whom rely on vehicles to deliver goods and provide services. New York drivers pay some of the highest car insurance rates in the nation, paying over $4,000 on average towards annual insurance premiums.
Wdowiasz says, "Dunkirk families and businesses are being squeezed by some of the highest auto insurance costs in the country. The Governor's reforms are practical steps that will lower costs for our residents, reduce expenses for our city fleet, and support the small businesses and nonprofits that rely on vehicles every day. We went to Albany to make it clear: these changes are essential for communities like ours."
Wdowiasz was joined by Lee Kyriacou (Beacon), Yvonne Flowers (Poughkeepsie), Joseph DeStefano (Middletown) and Robert Restaino (Niagara).
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