Gov. Hochul strikes tentative deal with legislators on $268B state budget
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a "general agreement" with lawmakers on a $268 billion state budget on Thursday -- just 37 days late.
Hochul portrayed herself as a steadfast supporter of New York City who is committing millions for safety in the subway, childcare for preschoolers, and a tax on the city's luxury second homes -- now included in this year's budget.
"For New York City, we are finalizing the details of the pied-a-terre tax to help close the city's budget gap without eroding its tax base or burdening hard working New Yorkers," Hochul said. "I'll have more to say on that soon but I want to be very clear, my commitment to New York City has been and always will be iron clad. This budget already includes $28 billion in total aid for the city, a $9 billion increase since I came into office."
Hochul also announced major investments such as a universal path to child care. The state will increase funding by $1.7 billion bringing the total FY27 investment to $4.5 billion for child care and pre-kindergarten services statewide.
And the deal includes a law to curb chronic speeders, or drivers who get 16 or more speed camera tickets in a year. Speed limiting devices will be required for repeat offenders.
There is also a crackdown on so-called ghost guns and 3-D printers sold in New York will require software that prevents them from being produced.
The spending plan also includes a number of measures intended to push back against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, including banning all federal, state and immigration agents from wearing masks.
Hochul also said that the budget will include landmark reforms to cut red tape and speed up the building of critically needed housing and infrastructure projects that often face extensive delays and raise costs for New Yorkers.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has urged the governor and lawmakers to allocate more money for the city. But the governor made it clear that no additional state funds are being allocated.
"I spoke to the mayor a couple times yesterday, again last night, you know, it's a very professional relationship, I intend to keep it that way, so we've been asked to do a lot for the city," Hochul said.
Mamdani repeated his threat to raise city property taxes.
"The reason that we focus so much on getting that deficit number down to zero is if we are to get there, then it means we do not have to raise property taxes, we do not have to make cuts, we do not have to raid our reserves," Mamdani said.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie says he's been in touch with Mamdani and insists that everything is still being negotiated.
"We're close. Like, no one should be saying, '(they're) getting it done,' 'agreement,' we're just not there," Heastie said. "I think the mayor is in a good place. I think he's in a much happier place."
Republican Bruce Blakeman, who is running against Hochul, reacted to the budget saying, "Kathy Hochul's budget is a triple threat to your wallet: more taxes, record spending, and a utility bill crisis with no end in sight. In fact, it should be labeled hazardous for your bank account."
The latest Siena Poll shows Blakeman trailing the governor by 16 points, while struggling with name recognition.
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