Heastie Proposes Bill to Limit Hochul's Budget Authority Amid Ongoing Deadlock

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has introduced a bill that would allow lawmakers to continue receiving their paychecks during delayed budget negotiations, provided the governor includes unrelated policy items in her budget proposal. Heastie argued that this measure aims to address the frustration surrounding the inclusion of non-budgetary policies that distract from essential financial discussions, which he claims contribute to the perennial lateness of budgets. The proposal comes as negotiations over Governor Kathy Hochul's $252 billion budget have surpassed the April 1 deadline, with tensions rising due to her insistence on policy amendments related to criminal law and mental health. Deputy Senate Majority Leader Mike Gianaris echoed Heastie’s concerns, emphasizing the ongoing frustrations among lawmakers regarding unrelated policy items. Hochul's office has dismissed the bill as a tactic to divert attention from the need for a timely budget, while fiscal experts have raised concerns about the potential financial implications of the ongoing delay. The standoff highlights the broader conflict between the governor's policy priorities and legislative demands for a more streamlined budget process.