The debate over New York’s state budget has been dominated by negotiations over amending the state’s 2019 bail law.
Lawmakers and Governor Kathy Hochul have yet to reach an agreement on whether judges should be allowed to potentially issue cash bail requirements for serious criminal charges. Supporters of the law argue that it prevents people accused of crimes from languishing in jail, while opponents point to the rise in crime since the law was passed.
The debate comes as Hochul seeks to include a statewide housing plan in the budget, including expansion of housing statewide by 800,000 units over the next decade. Lawmakers are also discussing whether to increase the minimum wage, whether charter schools should expand, and whether to impose another tax increase on wealthy people.
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