New York’s $252 billion budget remains stalled over a week past deadline, according to Spectrum News, as tensions flare between Gov. Kathy Hochul and state legislators.
Speaker Carl Heastie, frustrated by Hochul’s policy additions that lack fiscal impact, proposed legislation to reinstate lawmaker pay during budget delays—a move meant to pressure the governor. Hochul’s office pushed back, saying lawmakers should simply agree to her agenda. Meanwhile, legislators criticize Hochul’s negotiation tactics and warn of growing voter dissatisfaction.
Despite federal threats to slash funding and impose new tariffs, Hochul’s budget team says there are no plans to reduce the proposed spending. Talks are progressing on issues like school cell phone bans and mental health reform, with lawmakers returning to Albany April 15.
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