S8302

The Senate Finance Committee reported S8302, the Senate Budget Bill making appropriations for state debt service requirements, directly to third reading. The measure was reported by Sen. Krueger and advanced without debate during the session.

The New York State Senate passed S8302, the state debt service appropriations bill, 43-16 Friday, four days before the fiscal year deadline, as lawmakers prepared to adjourn for the Easter recess without completing the full budget. Sen. Liz Krueger, the bill's sponsor, argued passage was essential to maintain New York's bond obligations and creditworthiness, calling it the first budget bill that must pass each year. However, Sen. Rob O'Mara and 15 other senators opposed the measure, contending it prematurely authorized $8 billion in anticipated borrowing not yet tied to a completed capital projects budget. O'Mara argued the bill should be extended to next Thursday, like other government extenders passed earlier in the session, to allow time for the full budget to be completed. The Senate also passed two other government extender bills earlier in the day to ensure state operations continue through next Thursday. Lawmakers plan to return April 2 to continue budget negotiations.