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In Albany, New York, state budget negotiations have reached a standstill, according to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. The budget is now eight days overdue, with policy debates causing significant delays. Governor Kathy Hochul remains firm on key issues such as discovery reform, involuntary commitment, a cellphone ban in schools, and a mask ban. These priorities are creating obstacles in reaching a consensus.
Stewart-Cousins emphasized the importance of passing the budget correctly, stating, "We want to get it done, but we want to do it the right way." She noted that new policy ideas continue to emerge, complicating the process further. Governor Hochul recently proposed ending separate primaries for gubernatorial and lieutenant governor candidates, adding another layer to the discussions.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has expressed his desire to keep policy out of the state budget. While he considers the cellphone ban a settled matter, discovery reform remains a contentious issue. Governor Hochul has enlisted district attorneys to support her proposed changes, but opposition from the Black, Hispanic, Puerto Rican, and Asian Caucus persists. They suggest codifying a 2023 court decision to address concerns without reversing 2019 reforms.
The budget negotiations are further complicated by potential federal funding cuts. Stewart-Cousins highlighted the state's reliance on $91 billion from the federal government and stressed that New York cannot compensate for any shortfall. She urged Congress members to advocate against drastic cost-saving measures.
As talks continue, there is no clear timeline for when the budget will be finalized, with both sides prepared to extend negotiations if necessary.