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The New York State Senate passed its $237 billion budget bill on a 41-19 vote early Thursday morning, including $2.4 billion in state funding for migrant services in New York City—a provision that sparked fierce debate and unified Republican opposition. The allocation, up from $713 million last year, funds shelter costs, healthcare, legal services, and National Guard support for asylum seekers. Opponents, led by Republicans, argued the funds should instead support education, infrastructure, and services for New York residents, with Sen. Stec noting the migrant spending exceeds combined funding for local roads, the Environmental Protection Fund, and increased school aid. Sen. Skoufis, a Democrat, criticized Gov. Hochul for blocking flood relief, refusing to complete universal pre-K funding, and rejecting toll relief for West of Hudson communities. Supporters, including bill sponsor Sen. Krueger, defended the allocation as a constitutional obligation and noted that immigrants historically become productive taxpayers. The amendment to strike the $2.4 billion, proposed by Sen. Weber, was ruled nongermane and defeated on appeal. The budget also includes increased AIM funding for municipalities outside New York City for the first time in 16 years, investments in AAPI communities, and funding for mental health crisis response. The Senate voted to remain in session past midnight to complete budget negotiations.