Senate Budget Bill - An act making appropriations for the support of government —
2024-04-19
· Calendar #848
The New York State Senate passed the $237 billion state budget on April 20, with a vote of 52-8, sending the spending plan to the Assembly after hours of floor debate. The budget, which represents an $8 billion increase from the prior year, reflects Democratic priorities on housing, healthcare, education, and climate investments while drawing sharp criticism from Republicans on spending for undocumented immigrants and housing policy. Sen. Rhoads (D-Long Island) criticized the budget for failing to fund the South Nassau Water Authority despite allocating $2 million to the North Shore Water Authority to investigate a public takeover of Liberty Water, a private utility serving Long Island residents at rates up to 12 times higher than public utilities. Sen. Ashby (D) advocated for the Staff Sergeant Alex Jimenez Family Legacy Program, which passed both houses unanimously but was vetoed by the Governor, to support undocumented family members of servicemembers through a federal Parole in Place program. Sen. Martins (D-Nassau) raised concerns about the Department of Labor's inadequate enforcement of prevailing wage requirements for union trades, a delayed Department of Health study on airplane noise impacts near major airports, and the need for adequate staffing at the Division of Housing and Community Renewal. Minority Leader Ortt (R) delivered a lengthy critique, arguing the budget fails to address the root causes of the housing crisis by not spurring new construction, instead implementing good-cause eviction provisions that will discourage development. He also criticized $2.4 billion in spending for undocumented immigrants while cutting programs for legal residents, including the CDPAP program. Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins highlighted the budget's investments in housing development, school funding, healthcare access, paid family leave, infrastructure, and climate initiatives, calling it a reflection of Democratic values and a step forward for New York. The budget now moves to the Assembly for consideration before the legislative session concludes.
PASSED
Ayes: 52
· Nays: 8
Debate Summary
The $237 billion state budget was debated with senators raising concerns about specific funding allocations and policy priorities. Sen. Rhoads criticized the lack of funding for the South Nassau Water Authority despite $2 million allocated to the North Shore Water Authority. Sen. Ashby advocated for the Staff Sergeant Alex Jimenez Family Legacy Program to support undocumented family members of servicemembers. Sen. Martins raised issues regarding Department of Labor enforcement of prevailing wage requirements, a delayed Department of Health study on airplane noise impacts, and adequate staffing for the Division of Housing and Community Renewal. The budget ultimately passed with strong Democratic support and Republican opposition, with debate centering on housing policy, healthcare funding, immigration-related spending, and infrastructure investments.