State Senator Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan)
Photo courtesy New York State Senate
Manhattan State Senator Liz Krueger, who chairs the Finance Committee, had a “minor stroke” last week, her office confirmed.
Krueger, who represents the East side of Manhattan stretching from 14th to 96th Streets, is reportedly recovering at Lenox Hill Hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
The longtime state representative received an outpouring of well-wishes online from fellow elected officials and political advocacy organizations.
“Sending my best wishes to Senator Krueger for a strong and swift recovery,” City Council Speaker Julie Menin said on social media. “Liz is a relentless advocate for New Yorkers. We’re thinking of her and wishing her strength in the days ahead.”
“Wishing Senator Krueger a full and speedy recovery,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a post on X. “Anyone who knows Liz knows she brings grit and persistence to everything she does. We’re all looking forward to seeing her back soon.”
Krueger’s medical episode occurred amid the ongoing budget negotiations, which are once again running late. On Tuesday, the state legislature passed its second one-week extension to pass the budget, which was due April 1.
Budget talks have stalled over issues like Hochul’s proposed changes to the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community and Protection Act, which would delay the timeline for the state to reduce its carbon emissions and change the method of calculating those emissions.
Kruger was outspoken about her support for the Climate Act at a rally on March 25 in Albany.
“Stop talking about the non-realistic options and let’s talk about moving faster on the realistic options,” Krueger said.
She fired back at the proposed changes.
“And no one—I don’t care who they are— should be allowed to change our laws without even showing any of us what the hell they’re being proposed to do.”
It’s unclear when Krueger will fully return to her duties in the capitl or if her absence will further delay state budget negotiations, but reports say she is still in contact with state senate leadership.