Deal for 2022 budget in hand
Cuomo, legislative leaders agree on spending plan
ALBANY, N.Y. » State lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday afternoon that they have reached an agreement on the 2022 budget.
Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie made the announcement.
“New York was ambushed early and hit hardest by COVID, devastating our economy and requiring urgent and unprecedented emergency spending to manage the pandemic,” Cuomo said. “Thanks to the State’s strong fiscal management and relentless pursuit to secure the federal support that the pandemic demanded, we not only balanced our budget, we are also making historic investments to reimagine, rebuild and renew New York in the aftermath of the worst health and economic crisis in a century.
“This budget continues funding for the largest-in-the-nation $311 billion infrastructure plan, establishes a groundbreaking program to provide affordable internet for low-income families and enhances public safety through police reforms, all while continuing to provide relief to New Yorkers and small businesses as we recover from the pandemic.
“I thank the legislative leaders - Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Heastie - for their partnership in helping make this critical budget a reality and delivering results for the people of this state.”
According to a joint press release, officials
say the final budget accomplishes major legislative priorities, including:
A record $29.5 billion in aid to schools aid;
• $29 billion in public and private green economy investments;
• $2.4 billion for rent and homeowner relief;
• $2.4 billion for child care;
• $2.1 billion for excluded workers;
• 1 billion for small business recovery;
• A first-in-the-nation plan to make broadband internet affordable;
• Legalizing mobile sports betting; and
• Implementing comprehensive nursing home reforms.
Additionally, the budget closes the deficit and invests in the ongoing response to the pandemic and recovery efforts, according to the news release.
Spending
The budget agreement includes spending in the following categories:
• Total State Operating Funds: $111 billion
• All Funds spending $212 billion
• School Aid: $29.5 billion, a $3 billion increase.
“New York State approached this year’s budget with many challenges and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic,” Stewart-Cousins said. “However, driven by a commitment to longterm equity and prosperity for all, we have accomplished a great deal.
“I am proud of the strides we have made in funding our schools, helping businesses rebuild, and protecting New York’s most vulnerable. Working and middleclass taxpayers will receive the relief they desperately need, while the wealthiest New Yorkers will help their neighbors. This budget makes New York better for all.
“In the remaining months of session, the Senate Majority will continue to deliver results that are reflective of our progressive values and priorities.”
“Budgets area statement of values, and in my two decades of service to the people of New York I can’t think of a more far-reaching and impactful budget than this,” Heastie added .“It meets long standing go also four Assembly Majority and addresses the historic in equities that have existed for too long.
“My colleagues and I have worked tirelessly to deliver a budget that will help New York rise from this health crisis and recover from its devastating economic impacts while upholding our commitment to putting New York families first.
“I am particularly proud that we have been able to make historic investments in our schools, keep higher education within reach, deliver the relief that our small businesses need to get back on their feet, and provide critical funding for child care that families need.
“I thank all my colleagues, especially Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene Weinstein, for their tireless efforts and advocacy in crafting a budget that truly meets the needs of all New Yorkers.”