New York’s new state budget is sending millions of dollars to Albany and giving some New Yorkers rebate checks to help with rising utility bills.
Lawmakers finally passed the budget late Wednesday night, and NewsChannel 13’s Ally Hoy followed up Thursday morning at the State Capitol.
The budget includes a record $44.4 million in unrestricted aid for Albany. City leaders say that money could help the city avoid deep cuts while officials continue working on a long-term financial plan.
That includes $20 million in capital city funding and another $20 million to help close Albany’s budget gap. Common Council leaders say the funding should help keep essential city services in place through next year.
The budget also sets aside $1 billion for what lawmakers are calling “POWER CHECKS” to help people deal with high energy bills.
About 8.2 million New Yorkers are expected to qualify for the one-time payments. Couples making less than $150,000 a year will get $200, while eligible single filers will receive $100.
The rebates will be based on 2024 tax returns, and the checks are expected to go out sometime between September and December.
But while Democrats are highlighting the rebates and new spending, Republicans say the budget still misses the bigger issue of affordability.
Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt criticized the plan, saying it spends too much and still doesn’t do enough to lower costs for families and small businesses.
Republicans also argue the budget keeps expensive green energy mandates in place, which they say are continuing to drive up electric and heating bills across the state.
Democrats are defending the budget by pointing to the rebate checks, along with investments in education, health care, and other programs they say will help working families.
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