New York State Misses Budget Deadline

For the fifth time since Governor Kathy Hochul took office, New York state lawmakers missed the deadline to pass a state budget. This sets the stage for potentially weeks of continued negotiations to reach a final agreement.

Budget Extender Approved

The Legislature approved a budget extender on Thursday, ensuring state workers will continue to be paid despite the delay. However, leaders have indicated that multiple extenders will likely be necessary before a comprehensive budget is finalized. The current extender runs through April 7th.

Key Issues Remain Under Debate

Major Proposals Under Discussion

Several significant proposals remain unresolved, including those related to auto insurance, housing policies, and public safety. Governor Hochul’s auto insurance proposal aims to lower costs for drivers while addressing fraudulent claims and staged accidents.

Concerns Over Injury Protections

Negotiations have revealed concerns that the proposed auto insurance measures could potentially reduce protections for individuals injured in car crashes. These concerns are contributing to the ongoing delays.

Lawmaker Reactions

State Senator Krueger stated, “I would prefer that with a Governor and two Houses all of the same party, we might be able to get things done faster, but I’ll still stand by getting better results is much more important than getting on time.” Krueger also pointed out that lawmakers do not receive paychecks when the budget is late.

Senator Tedisco criticized the majority party, saying, “You control all levers of power… You couldn’t do a balanced on time, good budget for your constituents in the timely fashion.” He emphasized the importance of completing the budget in a timely manner as a constitutional responsibility.

Other News from New York State

  • Irondequoit Plaza Partial Closure: A shopping plaza in Irondequoit has been partially shut down due to being declared a public nuisance, citing a history of criminal activity.
  • I-590 Multi-Vehicle Crash: Eleven vehicles were involved in a crash on Interstate 590 on Monday, with no serious injuries reported, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
  • Missing Boys: The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is seeking assistance in locating two missing boys with special needs in Chili, N.Y.