NY Passes $254B Budget With Major New Investments

New York lawmakers have passed a record $254 billion state budget for 2025-2026 after weeks of delay and extended negotiations. The budget includes $1 billion for housing, inflation refund checks, a $400 million revitalization package for Albany, and new revenue measures for Buffalo, such as a hotel bed tax and parking authority, to help address the city's deficit. Governor Hochul’s priorities, including the closure of up to three state prisons, expanded involuntary mental health commitments, and criminal justice reforms, were incorporated. The budget process drew criticism for lack of transparency and partisan allocation of funds, particularly in Erie County. Over $90 billion of the budget depends on federal funding, prompting concerns about possible future adjustments if federal support is reduced. Despite the controversy, state leaders maintain the budget supports working families and local communities.