S.P. 3004D

The New York State Senate passed a comprehensive capital budget bill (S.P. 3004D, Calendar 972) by a vote of 45-17, allocating billions in infrastructure spending across transportation, housing, climate, and healthcare. The $6.97 billion transportation allocation includes a $50 million increase to the CHIPS program for local roads and bridges, with a commitment for an additional $50 million next year, though highway superintendents had requested $250 million. The budget includes $2.65 billion for housing and community development, including $306 million for public housing and $600 million for new construction in New York City. A controversial $1 billion Sustainable Futures Program replaces delayed cap-and-invest revenue, funding clean energy projects, building decarbonization, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, though senators questioned whether the investment would reduce ratepayer costs. The budget allocates $50 million in capital funding to Nassau University Medical Center as part of a broader state takeover of the distressed hospital's governance. Debate centered on labor protections for construction projects, the adequacy of highway funding, regional distribution of discretionary capital funds, and oversight mechanisms. Republican senators opposed the bill, citing concerns about energy cost impacts, insufficient highway funding, and lack of project labor agreements. The bill passed with support from the Democratic majority.