There is no one reason why New York is hemorrhaging population.

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo may have been partly right when he joked people are moving to warmer climates because they’re tired of the cold and snow in New York. Gov. Kathy Hochul may be partially right when she blames the lack of affordable housing in many communities. Those who point to high taxes, excessive regulations and high costs of living in much of the state may also be partially right.

The fact that there are so many possible causes – and zero consensus on possible solutions – tells us it’s time for Democrats to hop on board with state Republicans’ proposed legislation to create a commission on outmigration that examines why the state is losing population and that offers recommendations to reverse the state’s population trends. The bill is sponsored by state Sen. James Tedisco, R-Clifton Park, and co-sponsored by several Republicans including state Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay. As proposed the commission would study housing, but Tedisco also wants the commission to study affordability, public safety, education and economic opportunity while holding at least one public hearing in each Economic Development Council region.

In our view Republicans are on the right track. If the governor is going to make such a big deal of outmigration, then putting all of her eggs in the basket of building more housing is foolish if there is a myriad of reasons leading people to leave the state. It’s time for the state to take a serious look at outmigration in the same way it did Medicaid costs with the Medicaid Redesign Team or the Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness chaired by former Lt. Gov. Stan Lundine of Jamestown.

It’s time for a real and honest discussion of the state’s population loss and a coordinated effort to reverse the trend.