Final NYS budget comes to $229 billion


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ALBANY, NY (WENY) — Around 11 p.m. Tuesday night, the Senate and the Assembly officially passed the final state budget plan, one month after it’s original deadline. The final budget comes in at $229 billion.

The budget had varying support across the isle in both chambers during the voting process of the ten budget bills.





Some Republican lawmakers feel the budget this year was challenging.

“They failed under two areas that most people have said in the polls and the questions that they have been asked, ‘why do you leave New York State.’ We’re not affordable in this state and they don’t feel secure in this state,” said Sen. James Tedisco (R-44th Senate District).

While some Democratic lawmakers across the isle said the budget this year is good overall–investing in issues including mental health, education, and public safety.





















“Making certain that their neighborhoods are safe, that folks are getting the treatment they deserve, and that public safety is an issue that Albany is considering carefully which is I think what we did in this budget,” said Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-47th Senate District).

Earlier Tuesday evening, lawmakers passed one of the ten budget bills, the Education, Labor and Family Assistance bill, this year’s “big ugly” one big bill where several contentious issues are packaged together.

This year some of those issues include bail reform and electrifying buildings in the state.

Some lawmakers who voted against the “big ugly” bill highlighted the proposal on bail reform–to eliminate the least restrictive means standard. Some lawmakers said there needed to be a dangerousness standard.









While some other lawmakers who voted in favor of the “big ugly” said budgets are compromises.

“On many of the issues debated here today, I have confidence in my constituents to understand these are complex issues. And we are dealing with legislation. And I have confidence they will have faith that we are making the best choices we can,” said Sen. Shelley Mayer (D-37th Senate District).

Sen. Mayer added this budget is another historic year of investing in foundation aid–the state’s main education operating aid formula.

 

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