New York State was already five weeks past the start of its 2027 fiscal year when Governor Kathy Hochul appeared in the Capitol’s ceremonial Red Room on the morning of May 7 for what was billed as a special announcement. Flanked by top aides and applauded by a friendly audience of staff members, Hochul began: “Today’s the day! I’m very proud to announce that we have reached a general agreement for the fiscal year 2027 state budget.”
