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After weeks of negotiations, New York lawmakers have reached an agreement on a new state budget totaling $254 billion. The budget, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, includes significant measures such as an expanded child tax credit, a ban on smartphone use in schools, and changes to discovery laws. Despite being nearly a month late, the budget aims to address public safety, affordability, and the state's financial health.
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of putting money back into New Yorkers' pockets and enhancing safety in streets and subways. The budget introduces an income tax cut for low- and middle-income filers and stimulus-style checks of up to $400 for families. The child tax credit will be tripled to $1,000 for children under four and increased to $500 for school-aged children, according to Times Union.
Public safety is a key focus, with changes to the state's discovery law and a lowered standard for involuntary commitment of mentally ill individuals. The budget also includes a "bell-to-bell" ban on cellphones in schools, a measure championed by Hochul to protect students' mental health. However, the budget does not proactively prepare for potential federal funding cuts, which could necessitate future adjustments.
Despite these achievements, the budget still faces unresolved issues, such as funding formulas for public schools and Medicaid. Lawmakers plan to meet this week to finalize these fiscal matters, as reported by Politico. The budget's success depends on future developments in Washington, D.C., where federal cuts could impact New York's finances.