S7070

The Senate accepted a Rules Committee report on S7070, sponsored by Sen. Krueger, an act making appropriations for the support of government. The bill was reported directly to third reading, bypassing standard committee procedures. The Rules Committee report was accepted by voice vote without opposition.

The New York State Senate passed a $1.7 billion budget extender on April 1st, extending government operations through Thursday as negotiations on the full state budget remain deadlocked over policy disputes. The measure, Senate Print 7070 (Calendar No. 620), sponsored by Sen. Liz Krueger, passed on a 57-0 vote. The extender provides appropriation authority for payroll costs and essential services including $1.1 billion for Medicaid, covering approximately one week of expenses for the Department of Health, Medical Assistance Administration, Department of Labor, Office of Mental Health, and Department of Veterans' Affairs. During floor debate, Sen. Daphne O'Mara questioned Krueger about the status of full budget negotiations, which remain stalled over unresolved policy issues including discovery reform, involuntary commitment procedures, and cellphone policies. Krueger acknowledged that the Governor's Budget Director has not yet submitted written proposals on these key issues to legislative leadership. Both senators predicted another extender would be needed by Thursday, as the time required for printing and debating full budget bills would extend beyond the current extension period even if all policy disagreements were resolved immediately.

The New York State Senate passed S7070, a bill to amend the Highway Law, on a roll call vote of 61-1. Sponsored by Sen. Borrello, the measure was approved with minimal opposition, with only Sen. Brisport voting in the negative. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.