S4004D

The New York State Senate passed a $230 billion budget bill on a 42-20 party-line vote Tuesday, advancing the spending plan through a message of necessity that bypassed the constitutionally required three-day aging period. Senate Print 4004D, a 1,155-page appropriations bill, was introduced Monday and debated Tuesday with less than 24 hours for legislative review, drawing sharp criticism from Republicans who argued the compressed timeline prevented meaningful scrutiny of the massive spending package. The budget represents approximately an $11 billion increase over the past five years of Democratic control of the Senate, Assembly, and Governor's office. Finance Committee Chair Liz Krueger defended the budget as balanced, noting it includes higher-than-expected tax revenues and maintains reserve funds at 16.8% of General Funds—above the 15% recommended by good government groups. The budget includes a cigarette tax increase of approximately $1 per pack and increases the payroll mobility tax for New York City businesses to support MTA operating costs. Republicans criticized the spending level as unsustainable, with Sen. O'Mara noting New York spends 50% more per capita than California despite having half the population. Sen. Tedisco highlighted that New York ranks first in outmigration, with 319,000 residents leaving last year, and second nationally in Tax Freedom Day. Democrats highlighted new investments including $250 million in operating aid for cultural institutions, $25 million for volunteer firefighter capital projects, and continuation of a $5.5 billion five-year housing capital plan. However, the budget removed $250 million in housing infrastructure funding from the Governor's original proposal, drawing criticism from Sen. Martins. The vote came as the state operates under its fifth extender in a month, with the budget now one month overdue. Four additional budget bills are expected to be debated Wednesday.