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The New York State Senate passed a $4.8 billion budget extender on Monday that will keep state government operating through Friday, April 28th, marking the fifth such extension in a single day as budget negotiations continue. The measure passed 57-0 on a roll call vote. The extender includes approximately $7.8 million in new funding for the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program. During debate, Sen. Liz Krueger, the bill's sponsor, acknowledged that policy disputes rather than fiscal disagreements are holding up the final budget, which is now nearly four weeks late. She indicated that some policy items, including the Governor's housing package, have been withdrawn from consideration. However, criminal justice reforms including bail reform remain under negotiation and are expected to be included in final budget bills. Republican senators criticized the repeated extenders and the inclusion of policy matters in the budget document, arguing it undermines government transparency. Sen. Sue Helming raised concerns about childcare providers who have closed classrooms and maxed out credit cards while waiting for stabilization grant funding. Sen. Krueger defended the extender process, noting that government continues to function and that staff are working toward completing negotiations on comprehensive budget bills rather than continuing short-term extensions.