A10760

The New York State Senate passed a $1 billion budget extender on March 31st, extending government appropriations through April 7th to cover payroll costs for health, law, developmental disabilities, and veterans services. The measure passed 59-0 on a roll call vote. The extender represents the first of what may be multiple extensions needed as budget negotiations between the Legislature and Governor Hochul remain stalled. During debate, Sen. O'Mara questioned the status of negotiations, noting that no joint conference committee meetings have been scheduled since one held three weeks prior and that no "table targets" have been established for undecided budget items. Sen. Krueger, the bill's sponsor, acknowledged that "quite a few things are left open" and that the Governor unilaterally determines extender contents. Key unresolved issues include proposed modifications to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and proposals to lower utility bills for ratepayers. O'Mara expressed concern about the lack of specific written proposals from the Governor on these matters, particularly regarding utility costs affecting senior citizens and middle-income families. Despite these concerns, O'Mara supported the extender, citing the significance of religious holidays over the coming weekend. Krueger outlined several Democratic proposals to address utility costs, including a three-year moratorium on new artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency facilities, expansion of green energy infrastructure, and increased assistance for low-income and middle-income ratepayers. Republicans countered with proposals to return unspent clean energy surcharges to ratepayers and establish a tax holiday on utility bills and surcharges.