ALBANY — State lawmakers are gradually advancing toward finalizing a much-delayed budget, with negotiations led by Democratic leaders driving up the anticipated financial burden on taxpayers.
On Wednesday, the first details of the overdue fiscal and policy package were unveiled to the public. Among the highlights is a two-year extension for Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s oversight of New York City schools. Additionally, school districts throughout the state are set to receive a 2% boost in state aid.
This development comes despite Governor Kathy Hochul’s earlier announcement of a “general agreement” on the budget, which was already projected to reach an unprecedented $268 billion. However, Hochul’s office has now revealed that the budget has increased slightly to $268.5 billion.
The updated figure was clarified by Hochul’s team after Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) admitted to reporters on Wednesday afternoon that he was uncertain about the total spending amount. “I don’t know,” Heastie remarked when questioned if the budget remained at $268 billion.
As the budget, originally due on April 1, continues to evolve, Hochul’s office has not confirmed whether the final figure will hold steady at $268 billion.
Hochul’s office would not confirm if the budget – which was due April 1 – was remaining at $268 billion.
But the delayed process has allowed Albany’s influence machine ample time to shove the package full of pork and other policy priorities.
New York’s powerful labor unions are poised to secure a massive overhaul of their pension benefits – lowering retirement ages to as low as 58, decreasing their contribution rates and other measures that could ultimately leave municipalities and other public employers on the hook for north of $500 million in new costs.
Other surprise items haggled by Dem leaders away from the public eye are starting to be revealed – including an ask by Mamdani to give him the power to scrap a powerful commission that can propose changes to the city charter that had been installed in the waning days of ex-Hizzoner Eric Adams’ tenure.
“It tries to send a message to an outgoing mayor, don’t try to stick a new mayor with something that they may not want to see,” Heastie said.
The second of 10 budget bills was printed set to be passed through the legislature Wednesday. Lawmakers are expected to vote on a bill including sweeping new sanctuary state protections for immigrants Thursday before skipping town for the holiday weekend.
The remaining seven bills, including the actual appropriations measures, are likely to be voted on next week.
