New York lawmakers have once again pushed back the state budget deadline, approving a short-term extender that keeps government operations running while negotiations continue behind closed doors.
The Legislature on Monday passed a seventh budget extender — nearly four weeks after the April 1 deadline — sending the measure to Gov. Kathy Hochul for approval.
The latest extender funds state operations, including payroll and public health programs, through Thursday, with another extension expected later this week as talks continue.
While the repeated stopgap measures highlight ongoing delays, officials say progress is being made on several major policy disputes that have held up a final agreement.
Among the biggest sticking points are Hochul’s proposals to change the state’s climate law, adjust auto insurance rules, and address broader fiscal issues, including school aid and potential tax increases on high earners.
Negotiations around the state’s climate targets appear to be moving toward compromise. A revised proposal would set a deadline of 2028 for new emissions regulations, along with an interim goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60 percent by 2040, while maintaining the state’s long-term target of an 85 percent reduction by 2050.
On auto insurance, discussions have centered on scaling back parts of Hochul’s plan related to liability rules, while addressing concerns from lawmakers about rate-setting flexibility for insurers.
Legislative leaders say talks are nearing agreement on policy issues, but caution that resolving those debates is only the first step.
Once policy details are finalized, attention will shift to negotiating the overall spending plan — a process expected to take at least another week and likely require additional budget extenders.
Despite frustration over the prolonged timeline, lawmakers and the governor have expressed optimism that a final deal is within reach.
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