S7673

The New York State Senate passed a budget extender bill (S7673) on a 57-4 vote, extending negotiations on the state's $254 billion budget agreement announced by Governor Kathy Hochul. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Krueger, keeps government funded through Thursday while lawmakers continue three-way negotiations on eight remaining budget bills. During floor debate, Sen. O'Mara pressed Krueger on the status of the budget, learning that only a "conceptual agreement" exists with no final legislative language yet written. Krueger confirmed the Legislature has secured an additional $140 million for Foundation Aid beyond the Governor's Executive Budget proposal, with $80 million in additional lower education funding included in $375 million in table targets across various spending categories. Key policy issues including involuntary commitment, cellphones, and masks have reached three-way agreement in principle but lack final language. Krueger expressed hope that bills would be printed by Friday or Saturday to allow the constitutionally required three-day review period before final passage expected Monday. Senators Borrello, Lanza, Ortt, and Weik voted against the measure.