Gov. Kathy Hochul’s push to ban smartphones in schools and distribute tax rebate checks is encountering opposition as state budget talks intensify ahead of the April 1 deadline.
The proposed ban would prohibit student phone use throughout the school day, but legislators are debating whether to allow local districts flexibility. Meanwhile, Hochul’s $3 billion rebate plan—offering checks between $300 and $500 to middle-class taxpayers—faces criticism. Lawmakers favor a different approach, prioritizing seniors, families, and small businesses over three years instead of issuing one-time payments.
Budget negotiations also include disputes over criminal evidence deadlines, mental health commitments, and transit funding. Concerns over potential federal funding cuts from the Trump administration add further uncertainty to financial planning.
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