New York State lawmakers have missed the deadline to pass a budget for this year. On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an emergency appropriations plan that lasts through April 7 to extend negotiations for another week. The temporary spending bill ensures state employees still receive paychecks while the governor negotiates changes to the budget with Senate and Assembly leadership. The last time state lawmakers passed a budget on time was in 2019. In past years, the process has been held up by policy changes that have been added to the spending plan. This year, key issues include a proposed wealth tax, restrictions on local police assistance for federal immigration operations, and changes to the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. North Country lawmakers continue to prioritize lower utility rates in the budget. This week, Sen. Dan Stec joined a group of Republicans in calling for Hochul to include two bills in the executive budget that would provide utility rate relief. Senate Bill 8461A would provide credits to ratepayers, using unspent funds collected by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) for green energy products. Senate Bill 8463 would establish a one-year utility bill and surcharge exemption and a two-year green energy gas tax exemption. Assemblyman Michael Cashman has also introduced proposals to lower energy costs in the budget, including rebate checks, a pause on utility assessments and a moratorium on rate increases. If the budget is delayed for several weeks, it could create hurdles for local towns and school districts. Most local communities calculate the amount of state aid they expect to receive when they craft their own budgets. School budget votes in New York happen in May. State lawmakers will not be paid until the budget is finalized, according to state law. They will receive back pay once a budget is passed. This rule does not apply to the governor, who continues to receive a salary during the late period.
ALBANY, N.Y. —
New York State lawmakers have missed the deadline to pass a budget for this year.
On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an emergency appropriations plan that lasts through April 7 to extend negotiations for another week. The temporary spending bill ensures state employees still receive paychecks while the governor negotiates changes to the budget with Senate and Assembly leadership.
The last time state lawmakers passed a budget on time was in 2019. In past years, the process has been held up by policy changes that have been added to the spending plan.
This year, key issues include a proposed wealth tax, restrictions on local police assistance for federal immigration operations, and changes to the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
North Country lawmakers continue to prioritize lower utility rates in the budget. This week, Sen. Dan Stec joined a group of Republicans in calling for Hochul to include two bills in the executive budget that would provide utility rate relief.
Senate Bill 8461A would provide credits to ratepayers, using unspent funds collected by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) for green energy products. Senate Bill 8463 would establish a one-year utility bill and surcharge exemption and a two-year green energy gas tax exemption.
Assemblyman Michael Cashman has also introduced proposals to lower energy costs in the budget, including rebate checks, a pause on utility assessments and a moratorium on rate increases.
If the budget is delayed for several weeks, it could create hurdles for local towns and school districts. Most local communities calculate the amount of state aid they expect to receive when they craft their own budgets. School budget votes in New York happen in May.
State lawmakers will not be paid until the budget is finalized, according to state law. They will receive back pay once a budget is passed. This rule does not apply to the governor, who continues to receive a salary during the late period.