The bill ensures more health service providers are available to underserved young people ages 4-19 who are uninsured or underinsured, allowing them access to all available healthcare.
As bill sponsor/chairman, Pretlow provided detailed explanations of budget components including Medicaid Global Cap extension, Healthcare Stability Fund investments, hospital and nursing home support, and human service worker inflationary increases. Confirmed total Medicaid spending of $117.8 billion across all agencies, State share of $32 billion, federal share of $74.1 billion, and that the budget remains within the global cap.
Explained bill would raise $562 million in FY 2026-27 and additional billions in outyears. Defended MCO tax as maintaining federal compliance and uniform treatment. Argued pied-à-terre surcharge affects only small percentage of properties and that high-income earners unlikely to relocate. Stated H.R. 1 decoupling maintains current law with negligible net effect to corporations. Defended corporate tax extension as necessary to maintain health coverage for hundreds of thousands.
As Budget Committee Chairman, Pretlow outlined the budget's major investments in education, healthcare, child care, and infrastructure, emphasizing the Legislature's commitment to assisting working families through tax relief on tips, property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, and utility rebates.
Pretlow explained the Capital Projects Bill appropriates $23.5 billion for State fiscal year 2026-27 while authorizing disbursements up to $21.4 billion on an All-Funds basis. The bill makes critical investments in transportation ($6.2B), health and mental hygiene ($1.8B), education and higher education ($2B), economic development ($2.8B), general government and public protection ($1.9B), parks and environment ($3.7B), housing ($1.3B), social welfare ($110M), and other areas. Transportation and economic development represent 50% of total spending. New debt authorized is $11.4 billion. Palmesano questioned the CREST program's $1.8 billion in reappropriations and additional $385 million authorization, with Pretlow explaining ongoing health facility assistance and undrawn prior allocations.
Debate focused on renewable energy siting and agricultural land conversion, correctional facility staffing crisis with National Guard deployment, cannabis management office implementation, and child care funding. Asm. Palmesano questioned whether the state tracks agricultural land converted for wind and solar, criticized overriding local opposition to renewable projects, and argued nuclear and natural gas should be prioritized over solar and wind for land-use efficiency and grid reliability. Asm. Walsh expressed concern about the $535 million annual cost of National Guard deployment in correctional facilities and the lack of progress toward full staffing with trained corrections officers.
Debate addressed constitutional concerns about policy legislation included in budget bills without committee review. Asm. Molitor raised concerns that certain policy provisions, including the convertible pistol ban and immigration omnibus legislation, violate Article 7, Section 6 of the New York State Constitution and should have gone through the committee process. Asm. Walsh criticized the 8.8% increase in Judiciary spending and expressed concern about additional funding for the Independent Redistricting Commission.
As sponsor/chairman, Pretlow explained the bill implements major health and mental hygiene budget components including Medicaid Global Cap extension, Healthcare Stability Fund investments, hospital and nursing home support, and human service worker inflationary increases.
Explained bill raises $562 million in FY 2026-27 and provides major revenue provisions needed for balanced budget. Defended MCO tax as maintaining federal compliance, pied-à-terre surcharge as affecting only small percentage of properties, and R&D decoupling as maintaining current law with negligible net effect on corporations.
Budget Chairman presented the comprehensive budget framework, highlighting investments in education, healthcare, child care, and utility relief while noting the Legislature's commitment to assisting working families through tax provisions and infrastructure spending.
Chairman Pretlow explained the Capital Projects Bill appropriates $23.5 billion for State fiscal year 2026-27, with $21.4 billion in actual spending authorized and $11.4 billion in new debt. The bill makes critical investments in transportation ($6.2B), health and mental hygiene ($1.8B), education and higher education ($2B), economic development ($2.8B), parks and environment ($3.7B), housing ($1.3B), and other areas. Asm. Palmesano questioned the CREST program's $1.8 billion in reappropriations and additional $385 million authorization.
Debate focused on renewable energy siting and agricultural land conversion, correctional facility staffing crisis with National Guard deployment, cannabis management office implementation, and child care funding. Asm. Palmesano questioned whether the state tracks agricultural land converted for wind and solar, criticized overriding local opposition to renewable projects, and argued nuclear and natural gas should be prioritized over solar and wind for land-use efficiency and grid reliability. Asm. Walsh expressed concern about the $535 million annual cost of National Guard deployment in correctional facilities and the lack of progress toward full staffing with trained corrections officers.
Debate focused on constitutional concerns regarding policy legislation included in the budget without committee review. Asm. Molitor raised concerns that the budget contains policy provisions, specifically citing the convertible pistol ban and immigration omnibus legislation, that violate Article 7, Section 6 of the New York State Constitution and should have gone through the committee process. Asm. Walsh criticized the 8.8% increase in Judiciary spending and expressed concern about additional funding for the Independent Redistricting Commission.
Asm. Palmesano questioned whether this would be the final extender or if another would be needed Thursday to complete the budget process. Chairman Pretlow expressed hope to complete the budget by Thursday and used analogies about an electronic magnet getting stronger and being in the third inning of the budget process. Palmesano emphasized the need to prioritize affordability and safety in the remaining budget bills, noting that New Yorkers have waited long enough.
Extensive questioning by Asm. Palmesano on multiple budget components. Key topics included: timing of financial plan release (Pretlow said it would come after all bills are printed), bond gap increases of $3.5 billion over Governor's proposal, continuation of COVID-era liquidity financing measures, insurance reform provisions without confirmed actuarial data on $300 annual savings claims, pension enhancement costs ($146.3 million for State, $289.9 million for locals), CLCPA modifications adjusting methane emissions accounting from 20 to 100 years and shifting greenhouse gas targets from 70 by 30 to 60 by 40, and utility rate relief mechanisms. Ms. Glick fielded questions on climate and energy provisions.
Asm. Palmesano questioned whether this would be the final extender or if another would be needed Thursday. Pretlow expressed hope to complete the budget process by Thursday. Palmesano noted this is the 15th extender totaling $36.2 billion in appropriations, with this bill adding $2.5 billion. Palmesano emphasized the need to prioritize affordability and safety for New Yorkers while supporting state employee payroll and critical services.
Extensive questioning by Asm. Palmesano on multiple budget components. Key topics included: timing of financial plan release (Pretlow stated it would come after all bills are printed); bond gap increases of $3.5 billion over Governor's proposal; continuation of COVID-era liquidity financing measures; insurance reform provisions and whether they guarantee premium reductions; pension enhancement costs ($146.3 million for State, $289.9 million for locals); CLCPA modifications including methane accounting changes (20 to 100 years) and emissions targets (70 by 30 to 60 by 40); utility rate relief mechanisms; and natural gas supply constraints. Ms. Glick addressed energy and environmental questions.
Explained the bill contains major components necessary to implement the State Budget relating to public protection and general government, including provisions on public safety, insurance reform, lobbying, and procurement. Highlighted legislation banning ghost guns and 3D printed guns, and provisions on lawful drone use.
Confirmed procurement threshold increases to $150,000 represent a compromise from the Governor's proposed $300,000, influenced by Comptroller DiNapoli's concerns. Explained reparations commission needed more time to staff up and that members are not considered State employees, thus not subject to certain ethics rules. Clarified drone regulations distinguish between toy drones (under .55 pounds) with minimal restrictions and larger drones with operational restrictions.
Chairman explained the bill implements the State Budget with increases of $494 million more than the Governor's original proposal, particularly for education. Defended spending increases as investments in important services and noted the formula accounts for regional differences through Building Aid and transportation aid adjustments.
Chairman Pretlow explained this is the 14th budget extender, extending state funding through May 26 and including additional funding for Medicaid, unemployment insurance, OPWDD services, and veterans' programs. Assemblyman Palmesano questioned the timeline and outstanding budget issues, with Pretlow indicating several small issues remain unresolved but are "extremely close," including auto insurance, Tier 6 pensions, immigration, and CLCPA. Palmesano criticized the extended budget process, noting the LCA show occurred before the budget was finalized, and expressed frustration that members would vote on budget bills without full fiscal impact information.
Explained the bill implements the State Budget with increases of $494 million above the Governor's proposal, including adjustments to English language learner support and maintained building and transportation aid for districts with higher expenses. Defended spending levels as necessary to maintain quality of life and services.
Chairman Pretlow explained the extender would ensure funding for State operations through May 26th, including Medicaid payments, unemployment insurance, OPWDD services, and veterans' programs. Assemblyman Palmesano questioned the status of budget negotiations, noting this is the 14th extender totaling $33.7 billion with a $1.9 billion increase from the previous extender. Pretlow indicated negotiations were moving forward with a second budget bill expected the following day and remaining bills the following week, with several outstanding issues described as "extremely small" but still unresolved on auto insurance, Tier 6 pensions, immigration, and CLCPA. Palmesano criticized the budget process as embarrassing dysfunction, noting the Legislature had failed to deliver a budget by the LCA show deadline despite being told it would be completed by May, and expressed concern that members were voting on budget bills without full fiscal impact information or financial plans.
Sponsor explained the extender ensures funding for state operations and critical programs through May 20, with $8.04 billion in new appropriations. Indicated budget bills expected this week and definitely next week, with major policy issues very close to resolution.
Explained the extender ensures funding for state operations and programs through May 20, with additional funding for payroll, Medicaid, school aid, unemployment insurance, OPWDD services, veterans' programs and general state charges. Indicated budget bills would likely be taken up this week and definitely next week, with all major issues 'very close' to finalization.
The 12th budget extender of the session appropriates $560.1 million in additional funding, bringing total extender appropriations to $23.7 billion through May 18th. Chair Pretlow indicated negotiations remain ongoing on major policy issues including auto insurance, SEQR, immigration policy, Tier 6 pension reforms, and climate provisions, with most described as "very close" or "extremely close." Minority members criticized the dysfunction, with Asm. Palmesano noting this ties last year's record of 12 extenders and will set a new record for late budgets since 2010. Asm. Walsh expressed frustration that nearly $24 billion in emergency appropriations have passed without debate or bill text review, and indicated this may be her last extender vote. Discussion also covered uncertainty regarding NYC aid, CHIPS funding increases, and EV school bus mandate delays.
The 12th budget extender of the session, appropriating $560.1 million in additional funding and bringing total extender appropriations to $23.7 billion through May 18th. Debate focused on the unprecedented delay in budget passage—this ties last year's record of 12 extenders—and concerns about outstanding policy issues including auto insurance reform, SEQR, immigration policy, Tier 6 pension reforms, climate agreements, and EV school bus mandates. Members expressed frustration over the lack of finalized language on major policy items and the Governor's premature declaration of budget victory before passage. Discussion also centered on reported assistance to New York City and the need for increased CHIPS funding for deteriorating roads and bridges.
Explained the extender ensures continued state funding and outlined the major program areas covered. Indicated significant progress in budget negotiations using baseball metaphors, stating coaches are giving batting orders and the game is ready to start pending the Governor's approval.
Explained the extender ensures continued state funding and outlined the major program areas covered, noting the Legislature is gaining ground rapidly toward a final budget agreement.
Explained the extender funds state operations through May 11 and includes critical funding for WIC, unemployment insurance, and other programs. Characterized negotiations as at a conceptual agreement stage with small details still being negotiated, comparing the process to baseball and magnetic physics.
Explained the extender funds state operations through May 11 and includes critical funding for WIC, unemployment insurance, and other programs. Characterized budget negotiations as having reached conceptual agreement on major policy issues but stated final language and details remain unresolved.
Explained the extender ensures funding for state operations and programs through May 6 and includes funding for multiple critical programs and services.
Explained the bill provides authorization for payments and transfers relating to state operating assistance, including Comptroller authority to loan funds to transit accounts and $48.9 million for MTA Financial Assistance.
Asm. Pretlow explained the ninth budget extender would fund state operations through May 6th, including administrative payroll, Medicaid, WIC, unemployment insurance, transportation, OPWDD services, and veterans' programs. Asm. Palmesano questioned the status of budget negotiations, learning that $380 million in table targets have been agreed upon across multiple agencies, with general agreements reached on SEQR, auto insurance, immigration, and climate issues, though none have been reduced to writing. Palmesano expressed concern about the repeated use of extenders (ninth this year, compared to 12 last year) and called for fiscal responsibility and transparency in budget negotiations.
Asm. Pretlow explained this Article VII bill provides authorization for certain payments and transfers relating to state operating assistance. Asm. Palmesano sought clarification on the bill's mechanics, learning that Section 1 permits the State Comptroller to loan funds to certain transit accounts and Section 2 provides a $48.9 million General Fund transfer for the MTA Financial Assistance Plan. Palmesano confirmed this type of transfer authority is normally provided as part of the budget's sweeps and transfers section, and this bill effectively pulls out one piece of that broader authorization to advance it separately.
Asm. Pretlow explained the ninth budget extender would fund state operations through May 6th, including administrative payroll, Medicaid, WIC, unemployment insurance, transportation, OPWDD services, and veterans' programs. Asm. Palmesano questioned the status of budget negotiations, learning that $380 million in table targets have been agreed upon across multiple agencies, with general agreements reached on SEQR, auto insurance, immigration, and climate issues, though none have been reduced to writing. Palmesano expressed concern about the repeated use of extenders (ninth this year, compared to 12 last year) and called for fiscal responsibility and transparency in budget negotiations.
Asm. Pretlow explained this Article VII bill provides authorization for certain payments and transfers relating to state operating assistance. Asm. Palmesano asked for clarification on the bill's mechanics, learning that Section 1 permits the State Comptroller to loan funds to certain transit accounts and Section 2 provides a $48.9 million General Fund transfer for the MTA Financial Assistance Plan. Palmesano confirmed this type of transfer authority is normally provided as part of the budget's sweeps and transfers section, and that this bill effectively pulls out one piece of that broader authorization to advance it separately.
Explained the extender provides $1.5 billion in additional funding, bringing total appropriations to $16.4 billion. Stated progress is being made on policy issues between the two Houses and the Governor's office, with fiscal negotiations expected to accelerate once policy matters are resolved.
Explained the bill is a companion to the extender, allocating $7 million in school aid to South Country Central School District and providing bond authority for deficit spending. Also extends the Orange County IDA monitor for one year at the request of individuals seeking extension.
Explained the extender provides $1.5 billion in additional funding, bringing total appropriations to $16.4 billion. Stated progress is being made on policy issues between the two Houses and the Governor's office, with fiscal negotiations expected to accelerate once policy matters are resolved.
Explained the bill provides bond authority for South Country Central School District to finance deficits and extends the Orange County IDA monitor for one additional year at the request of individuals seeking the extension.
Sponsor explained the extender ensures funding for State operations through April 30 and includes funding for institutional payroll, public health, unemployment insurance, OPWDD services, veterans' programs and general State charges.
The sixth budget extender was debated, with discussion centering on the delayed state budget process. Asm. Palmesano questioned the timeline for final budget passage, noting six extenders have been passed with nine more budget bills remaining. Key outstanding policy issues include taxes, SEQR, auto insurance, immigration reform, Tier 6, and climate laws. Asm. Palmesano criticized the closed-door nature of budget negotiations and the use of policy as leverage. Asm. Pretlow defended the current process as more transparent than under previous administrations, explaining that all policy pieces must align before final passage. Asm. Walsh expressed frustration with the late budget, noting it was already three weeks overdue and comparing the situation to last year's 38-day delay.
Explained the extender provides $12.6 billion total appropriations to date, including school aid payments, administrative payroll, public health, unemployment insurance, OPWDD services, and veterans programs through April 22nd.