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The impasse over New York's state budget continues as lawmakers work to reach an agreement. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie introduced a bill on Wednesday (April 9) that would allow legislators to continue receiving paychecks if the budget is delayed due to disagreements over non-fiscal policy issues. Currently, lawmakers' pay is withheld until a new budget is passed.
The conflict centers around Governor Kathy Hochul's demands, which include changes to discovery laws in criminal cases and measures to make it easier to commit mentally ill individuals to psychiatric care. Hochul is firm in her stance, stating she is willing to delay the budget for months if necessary.
Heastie's proposal aims to reduce the governor's leverage in budget negotiations by allowing lawmakers to be paid during delays. He emphasized that the move is not personal against Hochul, but rather a response to the structure of New York's budget process. Deputy Senate Majority Leader Mike Gianaris expressed frustration over non-budgetary policy items being included in budget talks, which are now over a week late.
Governor Hochul's spokesperson, Avi Small, argued that her policy priorities have widespread support among New Yorkers. The governor has been criticized for her refusal to compromise on certain issues, particularly the discovery law reforms.
As the budget negotiations drag on, lawmakers remain divided on how to proceed. The outcome of Heastie's bill remains uncertain, as it would require bipartisan support to override a potential veto from Governor Hochul.