S10520

The New York State Senate accepted a Rules Committee report on S10520, an act making appropriations for the support of government, sponsored by Sen. Serrano. The committee recommended the bill proceed directly to third reading. Sen. Gianaris moved to accept the report, which was approved by voice vote. The bill is now on the third reading calendar.

The New York State Senate passed a $8 billion budget extender Monday morning, the 13th such measure this session, as negotiations on the full state budget remain stalled seven weeks past the April 1 deadline. Senate Print 10520, sponsored by Sen. Luis Serrano, passed 57-2 on a roll call vote, with only Sens. Rhoads and Weik voting in opposition. The measure provides $5.9 million in school aid distributions and $4.8 million to the Yonkers City School District as an advance payment. Serrano told the chamber that approximately $8.2 billion in school aid has been distributed during the extender period and expressed confidence the full budget would be completed within days. However, Sen. Robert O'Mara (R) criticized the lack of transparency, noting the 13 extenders now total approximately $32 billion—over 15 percent of last year's entire budget. O'Mara pressed Serrano for details on outstanding budget issues including Tier 6 pension reforms (estimated at $500 million), expansion of the pied-à-terre tax, and other major policy items, but Serrano declined to speculate on items not yet finalized in budget language. The extender extends only through Wednesday and ensures continued state government operations and payment obligations.