In the first week of a new legislative session, New York state lawmakers have put a stronger emphasis on the cost of living than in past years.On Wednesday, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said lawmakers in Albany have “always been focused on affordability.” Stewart-Cousins pointed to work that had been done to make improvements, like expanding income tax credits, capping property taxes, and expanding paid family leave. However, results from the November election show there was a shift among voters in favor of President-elect Donald Trump. A New York Times analysis shows all but one New York County saw an increase in people who voted red in 2024. Democrats took notice. “We know families are still feeling the pinch, and we know the challenges ahead require maintaining and strengthening our resolve to make New York more affordable,” Stewart-Cousins said. About a year before the November election, Siena College released …