Asm. J. Gary Pretlow

Asm. Pretlow explained the extender covers institutional payroll, public health programs, unemployment insurance, public assistance, veterans programs, and general state charges through April 16th as budget negotiations continue. Asm. Palmesano questioned the total spending across three extenders ($7.4 billion since April 1st), the $3.4 billion increase in this extender, and pressed Pretlow on stalled policy negotiations including auto insurance reforms, climate proposals, and tax increases. Pretlow acknowledged policy discussions remain unresolved and expressed hope the next extender would be final, though he was not optimistic. Palmesano criticized the lack of transparency and public accountability in the closed-door budget process, noting the state is 12 days late and major sticking points remain unresolved.

Asm. Pretlow explained the extender bill would ensure funding for vital programs including administrative payroll, Medicaid, mass transit, unemployment insurance, OPWDD and veterans' programs through April 14th. Asm. Palmesano questioned the timeline for a full budget, noting this is the second extender totaling $3.96 billion in appropriations so far, and expressed concern that policy disputes over auto insurance, SEQRA changes and climate law modifications are delaying fiscal negotiations. Palmesano criticized the lack of visible progress and complete financial plan, noting families and local governments need certainty to make decisions.

Asm. Pretlow explained the extender bill would ensure funding for vital programs including administrative payroll, Medicaid, mass transit, unemployment insurance, OPWDD and veterans' programs through April 14th. Asm. Palmesano questioned the timeline for a full budget, noting this is the second extender totaling $3.96 billion in appropriations so far, and expressed concern that policy disputes over auto insurance, SEQRA changes and climate law modifications are delaying fiscal negotiations. Palmesano criticized the lack of visible progress and complete financial plan, noting the delay impacts school districts, local governments and families facing affordability challenges.

Mr. Palmesano expressed support for the extender as necessary to keep government open and pay state employees, but criticized the pattern of late budgets under Governor Hochul. He noted the budget has been late four consecutive years (7, 32, 20, and 38 days respectively) and argued this creates uncertainty for school districts and local governments planning infrastructure projects. Palmesano stated that passing the extender is the minimum requirement to avoid failure, not a success, and called for financial plans and out-year budget gap information before taking up additional budget bills.

Mr. Pretlow explained the two-year extender extends DMV funding provisions that would otherwise expire April 1st, allowing DMV to collect fees and deposit them in the Dedicated Highway and Bridge Fund for road repairs. Mr. Palmesano asked about annual fee collection amounts, which Pretlow could not specify. The bill received minimal debate and passed without opposition.

Asm. Palmesano expressed support for the extender as necessary to keep government open and pay state employees, but criticized the pattern of late budgets under Governor Hochul. He noted budgets have been late by 7, 32, 20, and 38 days in recent years, creating uncertainty for school districts and local governments. Palmesano urged colleagues to demand financial plans and out-year budget details before voting on additional budget bills.

Asm. Pretlow explained the two-year extender extends DMV funding provisions that would otherwise expire April 1st, allowing DMV to collect and deposit funds into the Dedicated Highway and Bridge Fund for road repairs. Asm. Palmesano asked about annual fee collection amounts; Pretlow stated he was unsure of the specific figure.

Detailed the Assembly's budget priorities including $10.8 billion in tax relief, energy rebates, $2.1 billion in education funding, $1.2 billion in healthcare investments, affordable housing preservation with $750 million for NYCHA/Mitchell-Lama, and revenue proposals totaling $3.6 billion including corporate and personal income tax increases on high earners and crypto mining excise tax.

Detailed the Assembly's budget priorities including $2.1 billion in education funding, $750 million for NYCHA and Mitchell-Lama housing, $238 million for direct care workforce raises, energy rebate checks, and revenue proposals totaling $3.6 billion through corporate and personal income tax increases and crypto mining excise tax to fund relief for working families.

No substantive debate occurred on the bill itself. However, Asm. Molitor explained his negative vote by noting that a majority of the Dunkirk City Council and a Democratic Chautauqua County legislator representing the city both opposed the legislation, indicating bipartisan local opposition.

Assemblywoman Walsh explained her opposition to the bill, noting it received 17 no votes last year. The bill eliminates the requirement that bond issuances in Yonkers go through competitive bidding, a process used by nearly every other municipality. Walsh noted that Yonkers was authorized to conduct private sales 18 years ago during a fiscal crisis, but the city's bond rating is now A+ with a stable outlook, suggesting the exemption is no longer necessary. She argued that competitive bidding ensures fair opportunity for bidders and prevents favoritism and corruption.

Chair Pretlow explained the bill implements major components of the State Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget for Education, Labor and Family Assistance, and provided detailed financial plan information including spending totals, fund breakdowns, and budget gap projections.

Debate focused on budget priorities and specific tax credit and incentive provisions. Assemblymember Sempolinski criticized the $100 million film tax credit expansion, arguing it diverts resources from direct care workers for vulnerable populations. Assemblymember Maher questioned the MTA payroll tax restructuring, semiconductor R&D incentive requirements, organ donation tax credit scope, and real estate investor restrictions. Assemblymember Slater sought clarification on MTA payroll tax zone changes and revenue generation mechanisms. Several members explained votes highlighting support for film credits, private equity restrictions on housing, MTA burden-shifting to large employers, and various tax credits for disabilities, historic preservation, and farming.

Extensive questioning by Assemblymember Ra on capital appropriations, debt issuance, discretionary funding mechanisms, and specific allocations. Discussion covered $8.9 billion in new debt authorization, Director of Budget contingency powers triggered at $2 billion imbalance threshold, Empire AI funding ($90 million additional to prior $250 million), FAST NY and POWER UP economic development programs ($100 million each), World Cup hosting fees ($20 million), library construction aid ($44 million, $10 million over Executive proposal), SUNY and CUNY capital improvements with disparities in community college funding, SUNY hospital appropriations ($900 million total), and City of Yes housing initiative ($1 billion across multiple programs).

Extensive debate centered on a controversial $10 million appropriation for legal defense of State employees, including the Attorney General, in cases where they claim to be targeted because of their position. Assemblyman Ra criticized the provision as overly broad, arguing it could fund legal defense for conduct unrelated to official duties and state property. Assemblyman Gandolfo raised concerns about potential leverage and the retroactive January 1st effective date. Assemblyman Blumencranz criticized the budget for lacking specific funding to combat anti-Semitism at CUNY and SUNY institutions despite rising attacks on Jewish students. Supporters including Assemblywoman Cruz highlighted equity-focused investments and Assemblyman Otis praised infrastructure and environmental funding.

Minimal substantive debate. Assemblyman Ra used the occasion to thank Chair Pretlow on his first budget as chair, praise the majority and minority staff, and acknowledge the work of the Ways and Means teams. The bill was presented as the traditional final budget bill of the session.

Chair Pretlow explained the bill implements major components of the State Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget for Education, Labor, and Family Assistance, and provided detailed responses to financial plan questions regarding spending, reserves, debt, and Foundation Aid.

Debate centered on budget priorities and specific tax credit and incentive programs. Assemblymember Sempolinski criticized the $100 million film tax credit expansion, arguing it diverts resources from direct care workers for vulnerable populations. Assemblymember Maher questioned the MTA payroll tax restructuring, the semiconductor R&D program's local purchasing requirements, and organ donation tax credit details. Discussion also covered rebate checks, real estate investor restrictions, and MTA revenue distribution between zones.

Presented the $30.5 billion capital projects appropriation with $19.3 billion in authorized disbursements, emphasizing critical investments in transportation, health, education, economic development, and housing across the state.

Extensive debate centered on a controversial $10 million appropriation for legal defense of State employees, including the Attorney General, in investigations potentially unrelated to their official duties. Minority members raised concerns about the broad language allowing the Governor to determine eligibility for the Attorney General's defense and the retroactive January 1st effective date. Majority members defended the provision as protecting State officials from politically motivated investigations. Additional debate covered cannabis office staffing, DOCCS workforce shortages and National Guard deployment costs ($106 million monthly), and lack of specific budget line items to combat anti-Semitism at SUNY and CUNY institutions.

Minimal substantive debate. Asm. Ra used the occasion to thank Chair Pretlow on his first budget as chair, praise staff efforts, and acknowledge the Minority's ranking member role. The bill was characterized as traditionally the final budget bill and noted as appropriate to support given staff compensation comes from this appropriation.

Chair Pretlow explained the budget bill implements major components necessary for the State Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget and provided detailed financial plan information in response to questions.

Debate focused on budget priorities and specific tax credit and incentive provisions. Assemblymember Sempolinski criticized the $100 million film tax credit expansion, arguing it prioritizes Hollywood over funding for developmentally disabled care workers. Assemblymember Maher questioned the MTA payroll tax restructuring, semiconductor R&D incentive requirements, organ donation tax credit scope, and real estate investor restrictions. Assemblymember Slater sought clarification on MTA payroll tax zone changes and revenue generation mechanisms. Several members explained votes highlighting support for film credits, private equity restrictions on housing, MTA burden-shifting to large businesses, and various tax credits for historic preservation, gaming problem mitigation, and disability employment.

Debate focused on capital spending priorities, debt authorization, and discretionary fund allocation. Assemblymember Ra questioned the $8.9 billion in new debt issuance, sought clarification on discretionary funding pots, and inquired about the Director of the Budget's contingency powers. Discussion covered Empire AI funding ($90 million additional on top of $250 million from prior year), FAST NY and POWER UP programs ($100 million each), World Cup hosting fees ($20 million), library construction aid ($44 million, $10 million over Executive proposal), State Museum improvements ($135 million), CUNY community college maintenance ($35.1 million, nearly double prior year) versus SUNY community college cuts ($7.7 million reduction), SUNY Downstate and Upstate hospital capital ($900 million total, including $250 million increase for Upstate), and City of Yes housing initiative ($1 billion across multiple programs).

Extensive debate focused on several contentious provisions. Assemblyman Ra raised concerns about a $10 million legal defense fund for state employees, noting it represents a departure from past practice by allowing defense funding even for conduct unrelated to official duties, with broad language allowing individuals to claim they are being targeted because of their position. Ra argued this could allow the Attorney General to claim federal investigations are politically motivated. Assemblyman Blumencranz criticized the budget for lacking specific funding to combat anti-Semitism at CUNY and SUNY institutions, citing rising anti-Semitic attacks on campuses and recent problematic job postings. Assemblyman A. Brown supported Blumencranz's concerns, noting he had introduced multiple bills on Jewish-related issues that never reached the floor. Assemblyman Gandolfo questioned whether the legal defense fund structure could be used as leverage in negotiations between the Governor and Attorney General. Supporters including Assemblywoman Cruz highlighted funding for immigrant legal services, housing vouchers, and community programs. Assemblywoman Seawright praised funding increases for senior services and aging programs.

Minimal substantive debate. Assemblyman Ra used the occasion to thank Chair Pretlow on his first budget as chair, praise the majority and minority staff for their work during the budget process, and acknowledge the legislature's staff who are funded through this bill. Ra noted this is traditionally the final budget bill passed and expressed appreciation for working with Pretlow and the Ways and Means teams.

Chair Pretlow outlined the budget's major components including tax relief provisions, school funding increases with guaranteed 2% minimum annual increases, universal school meals, free SUNY/CUNY tuition for associate degrees in high-demand fields, healthcare expansions for hospitals and nursing homes, $8 billion unemployment insurance settlement, MTA capital plan funding, $1 billion affordable housing investment with Housing Access Voucher Program, $1 billion climate mitigation funding, $400 million childcare subsidies, and $262 million for human service worker wage increases.

Chair Pretlow outlined the budget's major provisions including tax relief, school funding increases, healthcare expansions, unemployment insurance debt settlement, MTA capital plan, affordable housing, and childcare subsidies. He explained corrections staffing shortages (4,000 officers short) and the rationale for hiring 18-year-olds and out-of-state corrections officers, with appropriate supervision and training requirements.

Extensive colloquy between Asm. Ra and Chair Pretlow covering multiple budget provisions including Cannabis Control Board chair reclassification, dynamic pricing disclosure requirements, AI companion systems, DMV pre-licensing courses, abandoned vehicle definitions, MTA capital funding, tax data sharing with DEC/NYSERDA, buy-now-pay-later lending regulation, and Superfund amendments. Ra raised concerns about drug driving provisions being omitted and MTA funding mechanisms. Gandolfo questioned Superfund prioritization definitions and criteria.

Chair Pretlow outlined the budget's major provisions, emphasizing tax relief totaling $2.7 billion, increased school funding with a 2% minimum guarantee, healthcare expansion, unemployment insurance debt settlement, affordable housing investment, and climate mitigation funding. He noted the budget addresses corrections officer staffing shortages (approximately 4,000 vacancies) through provisions allowing 18-year-old hires and out-of-state recruitment, with 18-year-olds supervised by officers over 21 and receiving additional Academy training.

Extensive floor debate on multiple budget provisions. Minority Leader Ra questioned Chair Pretlow on cannabis board chair reclassification, dynamic pricing disclosure requirements, AI companion notification standards, DMV pre-licensing restrictions, abandoned vehicle definitions, MTA funding gaps, tax data sharing with environmental agencies, buy-now-pay-later lending regulation, and EV infrastructure rebates. Gandolfo questioned prioritization of Superfund remedial sites in disadvantaged communities. Earlier debate included concerns about 18-21 year old corrections officer recruitment, domestic violence victim benefits, and NYPD pension provisions.

Explained the bill ensures funding for state operations through May 7th with additional funding for critical programs including Medicaid, WIC, unemployment insurance, and support services.

Explained the bill ensures funding for State operations and critical programs through May 7th while budget negotiations continue, with next payroll impact on May 13th.

Explained the bill ensures funding for State operations and programs through May 7th while budget negotiations continue, including critical funding for payrolls, Medicaid, WIC, unemployment insurance, and other services.

Sponsor explained the extender would ensure funding for state operations, institutional payroll, Children's Health Insurance programs, WIC, unemployment insurance, OPWDD services, veterans' homeless housing, and general state charges through May 1.

Sponsor explained the bill ensures funding for state operations and programs through April 29th while budget negotiations continue, including critical funding for Medicaid, WIC, unemployment insurance, and other essential services.

Sponsor explained the bill appropriates $11.3 billion ($1.6 billion more than the last extender) to fund State operations and key programs through April 29th while budget negotiations continue.

This is a budget extender bill providing $12.1 billion in funding through Thursday, April 24, 2025, representing a $2.5 billion increase from the prior extender. The increase is primarily driven by a $2.4 billion school aid payment from last year's enacted budget. Members debated the ongoing delay in passing a full state budget, now three weeks overdue. Concerns were raised about the impact on school districts, which must finalize budget items for May votes and submit property tax report card data by Monday without certainty of state aid. Members expressed frustration that this is the seventh of potentially 104 extenders planned for the year, averaging two per week, and emphasized that timely budget passage is a fundamental legislative responsibility.

Sponsor explained the bill ensures funding through April 24 for state operations, school districts, unemployment insurance, WIC, OPWDD services, veterans housing, and MTA support. Noted this is the seventh of a possible 104 extenders this year.