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Hochul Defends Policy-First Push as New York Budget Talks Stretch On

Speaker Carl Heastie insists on settling the finances before policy.

Overview

  • Gov. Kathy Hochul, who spoke to reporters Monday, said New Yorkers care more about the policies in the plan than the exact dollar amounts.
  • Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie stands by his pledge to hold off on policy talks until the fiscal picture is clear, a stance his spokesperson confirmed Monday.
  • Lawmakers passed a tenth short-term extender Thursday to keep state operations funded while negotiations continue past the April 1 deadline.
  • School leaders say they cannot finalize local budgets without clear Foundation Aid numbers, with a 1% increase proposed by the governor versus a 2% minimum from legislators shaping district plans for next year.
  • Hochul’s policy package under discussion includes changes to immigration enforcement limits, a slower rollout of climate rules, and a New York City tax on second homes.