ALBANY, N.Y. — The overdue New York State Budget has left school districts and lawmakers uncertain about the future.
The budget is almost six weeks late, with lawmakers in Albany still working to pass a spending plan.
The governor’s proposal includes auto insurance reforms, immigration protections, an energy rebate and policy changes.
Several temporary measures have kept the government running, but there is still no agreement on the projected $268 billion budget.
“I’m concerned about the unsustainable level of spending here and the ultimate impact it will have on the people of the State of New York. So, there’s policy issues, there’s monetary issues,” Senator Joe Griffo said.
Assemblyman Brian Miller said, “It’s going to be the climate change delays and things…you know, the climate policy delays, I should say, in delays and things like that. I think that’s where the biggest sticking point is.”
School districts are preparing to put their own budgets to a vote without knowing how much state aid they will receive.
“I think there’s some shortfalls for many school districts because of the original proposal from the governor and the legislature not really stepping up like they have traditionally done to address and fix the issue,” Griffo said.
Lawmakers are considering raising the governor’s proposed 1% increase in school aid to 2%, but many details still need to be resolved.
“When the budget’s late, it changes hourly, daily, but this could be language with the budgetary figures in the budget. It could be as simple as that, or it could be some more policy issues,” Miller said.
Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon said, “I was optimistic for this week, but I can say that we will continue with those discussions in conference this week in hopes that we can settle it for…I’m looking at definitely next week.”