ALBANY, N.Y. (WCAX) – According to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, budget debates in the Empire State are making progress.
Yesterday, Hochul announced a conceptual agreement on budget priorities with members of the legislature.
The nearly $237 billion budget will include focuses on housing in the state and public safety, with an emphasis on cracking down on retail theft.
She also outlined ways the budget will support the migrant crisis in New York City, education funding, mental health, and prenatal leave.
“And always said, can we do better? Why is it this way? And I heard way too often, for my taste, ‘that’s how it’s always been done.’ That never worked for me – never has, never will. So we had some very tough conversations about how to change the entrenched status quo. And as a result, we have a budget that reflects New Yorkers’ needs, both right now and into the future,” Hochul said.
The budget was due on April 1, but leaders have filed multiple extensions as negotiations are still underway.