WRGB- For the fifth time since Gov. Kathy Hochul took office, New York state lawmakers missed the deadline to pass a state budget, setting up what could be weeks of additional negotiations.
Lawmakers approved a budget extender, but leaders have indicated it will likely take several more extenders before a final agreement is reached.
Among the major proposals still under discussion are auto insurance, housing policies, and public safety.
Hochul has been pushing for changes aimed at reducing car insurance rates. Her proposal would lower costs for drivers while cracking down on staged car crashes and other fraudulent claims. One concern raised in the negotiations is that the measures could reduce protections for people injured in crashes.
Housing is also a key sticking point, including Hochul’s “Let Them Build” policy, which is aimed at increasing affordable housing.
Public safety proposals remain on the table as well, including an initiative that includes efforts to crack down on ghost guns.
State Sen. Liz Krueger, the Democratic chair of the Senate Finance Committee, said she would rather see a budget focused on outcomes than speed.
“I would prefer that with a Governor and two Houses all of the same party, we might be able to get things done faster, but I’ll still stand by getting better results is much more important than getting on time,” Krueger said. “Frankly, when we don’t get the budget done on time, we don’t get paid. Everybody else does.”
The Legislature passed the debt service bill on Thursday, and state workers are expected to continue getting paid beyond the budget deadline.
Republicans, like State Senator Jim Tedisco, criticized the delay.
“You control all levers of power. You control the Senate, one vote shy of a supermajority, supermajority in the Assembly, the Governor is your affiliation. You couldn’t do a balanced on time, good budget for your constituents in the timely fashion,” Tedisco said. “You had a whole year. Don’t be pointing towards this side of the aisle because you’re late with the most important job you’re expected to do constitutionally.”
A budget extender will run through April 7, and lawmakers are already signaling a deal will not happen by then, with several issues still unresolved.