NYS Legislature passes budget extender as negotiations continue
The New York State Assembly Chamber is seen at the State Capitol in Albany on June 7, 2023. Credit: AP/Hans Pennink
ALBANY – The State Senate on Monday gave final legislative approval to continue funding state government while the 2024-25 state budget is more than a week late.
The Assembly passed the budget extender on Sunday. The bill submitted to the State Legislature by Gov. Kathy Hochul continues funding, including payroll, on an emergency basis as Hochul and the leaders of the Democratic majorities of the Senate and Assembly negotiate a new budget, which was due April 1.
The latest extender funds government through Thursday. Legislators said they expect to approve another extender if a deal isn't struck in coming days or if a deal is struck and several days are required to vote on budget bills. The emergency bill authorizes about $7 billion in spending to continue all state services, payments and payrolls.
Last year, the state budget was a month late.
Hochul and Senate and Assembly leaders said they are close to agreement on a new budget, which is being negotiated behind closed doors. None of the leaders have said if there are any final agreements on any issues.
The Senate and Assembly adopted the budget extensions in sessions that lasted less than an hour. The Assembly wasn’t in session Monday so that members could attend events back in their districts with constituents watching the eclipse.
Both chambers will be back in session Tuesday.
The proposed $233 billion budget contains several complex issues that lawmakers said have delayed agreements. Those major issues include:
- Hochul’s plan to end the “hold-harmless” practice of guaranteeing every school district will get more funding annually even if a formula that determines need shows the increase in aid should go to other districts.
- Hochul’s proposal to increase housing statewide to contend with an affordability crisis. She wants to erect new housing, including in communities that have blocked housing projects for years through local zoning laws.
- How to best use millions of dollars to meet the demand to expand child care and how to help families pay the rising cost of the service.
Michael Gormley has worked for Newsday since 2013, covering state government, politics and issues. He has covered Albany since 2001.
