ALBANY, New York (WWNY) – New York has missed its state budget deadline for the sixth year in a row, with lawmakers once again unable to agree on a spending plan by April 1.
At the forefront of discussions is affordability.
“I think the big sticking point for me on this budget is the overall spending projection,” said Sen. Mark Walczyk, R-49th District.
It’s a $260 billion proposed budget, which Gov. Hochul said is being put to work to fight for families.
Climate act debate
Lawmakers said the most discussed topic is the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act or CLCPA.
As is, 70% of New York electricity will be generated by renewable energy by 2030 through the climate act, but the governor now admits that would cost New Yorkers thousands in the coming years through rising utility rates.
In fact, the latest rate hike from National Grid just took effect Wednesday.
The governor recently mentioned adjusting that 2030 deadline, slowing things down to make it more affordable for taxpayers.
“I think the governor understands the ramifications of the climate act over the long haul, and we’ve already seen rate payers and utility — the average consumer has already seen the impacts of right now of what the CLCPA is doing,” said Assemblyman Scott Gray, R-116th District.
Some Albany Democrats don’t want to slow things down. A local Democratic committee chairperson supports their decision, saying climate change can’t be ignored.
“I mean, obviously, we see it, right? We’re seeing it every day. You know, the last few winters have been harsher than any winters we’ve seen. Some of our summer storms have been pretty intense. You’re seeing tornadoes down in the Hudson Valley. To say that climate change isn’t happening — it is happening,” said Corey DeCillis, Jefferson County Democratic Committee chairperson.
The budget extension goes until next Tuesday, but there’s not much hope from lawmakers a decision will be reached before then. Word is it could take weeks to get an agreement.
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