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Lawmakers are back at the Capitol in Albany today, continuing discussions to finalize New York's state budget. The deadline for an on-time budget passed last Tuesday (April 1), prompting the approval of two budget extenders to ensure the state can meet its financial obligations. The latest extender expires today, raising the possibility of another extension if no agreement is reached.
Key issues delaying the budget include debates over cell phone use in schools and changes to discovery laws. Governor Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders are at odds over these policies, particularly Hochul's proposal to amend the state's pretrial criminal discovery laws. According to Times Union, Hochul seeks to give prosecutors more flexibility in sharing evidence, a move resisted by lawmakers who approved the current laws in 2019.
While progress has been made on banning cell phone use in schools, other issues remain unresolved. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie told reporters that resolving the discovery debate could significantly advance budget talks.
Governor Hochul, who has never passed an on-time budget since taking office in 2021, remains unfazed by the delays. She emphasized her commitment to achieving a budget that aligns with her policy goals, even if it means missing the statutory deadline. The outcome of these negotiations will determine if a new budget can be approved by the end of the week.