As New York’s budget deadline continues to slip, state and federal leaders are locked in a bitter blame game. Gov. Kathy Hochul says federal threats to slash funding and a shaky market won’t force her hand, despite the spending plan being more than two weeks overdue.
While Hochul and state Democrats resist cuts to vital services, Republican members of Congress argue ballooning state spending is fueling economic strain. Rep. Mike Lawler, eyeing a gubernatorial run, criticized Hochul’s leadership and urged her to bypass lawmakers if needed to pass criminal justice changes. Rep. Elise Stefanik also slammed the governor, accusing her of prioritizing political agendas over fiscal responsibility.
The state’s $252 billion budget remains stalled, with Hochul signaling she may call a special session later this year if federal cuts materialize.
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