New York state lawmakers are still split on several key state budget issues, leading them to pass yet another budget extension on Monday, April 20.
The fifth extender adds another $5.1 billion to the already $12.6 billion spent on keeping the state government open since April 1. On the Assembly floor, Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow said no language has been shared with legislators on SEQRA reforms, the newly proposed pied-á-terre tax for New York City second homes, car insurance changes, Tier 6 pension system alterations, immigration issues or the climate law rollback.
“Unfortunately, we have not started the game yet, there’s a rain delay,” Pretlow, a Westchester County Democrat, said. “We are still doing batting practice. But the good news thing about batting practice is it makes the game a lot more exciting.”
Here’s the latest.
How could a late NY state budget affect local school district budgets?
As budget talks continue more than two weeks after its due date, many school districts could be in some trouble as most need to distribute military ballots on Friday, April 24, and on Monday, April 27, all districts with budget votes are required to submit their “property tax report card” data to the state Department of Education, according to state law.
The New York State Capitol building in Albany from the State Street side on Friday, April 17. 2026.
Those concerns were a main topic of discussion on both floors on Monday, to which Pretlow said he doesn’t believe the state is putting school districts in a position to have to make mid-year adjustments, noting they will at least get the minimum outlined in Hochul’s proposed budget, or $39.3 billion.
And Sen. José Serrano, a New York City Democrat, said he recognizes there’s some urgency with the topic.
Where is the money going?: New York budget extended again
“We do have a little bit more time before that issue arises,” Serrano said. “And I feel pretty confident that we will complete this budget in time so that school districts can be able to manage appropriately. As in years past, even with late budgets, we’ve been able to get it done before that critical moment.”
But a late budget makes it difficult for school districts across the state to put together their budgets, New York State United Teachers says.
“The greater their district’s reliance on state support and the greater the uncertainty over what final school aid figures will be, the more time local leaders may need to evaluate options and settle on a budget proposal for voters to consider,” NYSUT said in a written statement.
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“We urge the Legislature and Governor to come to agreement soon on a state budget that adequately and effectively supports New York’s public schools.”
When will state lawmakers meet again?
The extension passed on Monday is up on Thursday, April 23, so both houses will meet on Wednesday, April 22, to most likely pass their sixth stop-gap extender.
Emily Barnes covers state government for the USA TODAY Network-New York with a focus on how policy and laws impact New Yorkers’ taxes, communities and jobs. Follow her on Instagram or X @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NY state budget extended again. How it could impact school districts