State lawmakers passed their seventh budget extender on Monday afternoon, well past the April 1 deadline. Governor Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders are still working to settle policy issues before finalizing the budget amounts.
Assembly Ways and Means Committee Chairman Gary Pretlow indicated progress during a discussion with Republican counterpart Phil Palmesano. Pretlow stated, “I can assure that we’re getting closer on all the issues.” Palmesano inquired about auto insurance progress, to which Pretlow responded, “I believe we’re closer on auto insurance. We’re closer on immigration. We’re closer on the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.”
Senator Tom O’Mara, the leading Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, expressed criticism over the predominantly secretive process. O’Mara stated, “It’s no way to run a government… The citizens of New York deserve better. They deserve clarity. They deserve time to digest and provide us with input.”
Budget discussions are expected to continue for several more days. This month alone, the Legislature has approved over $12 billion in funding. The most recent extender, valid through Thursday, includes funding for state employee payroll, social services, and unemployment insurance.
