Big spending proposed in N.Y. budget
Hochul wants $227B for myriad of issues
ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed dramatic spending to help New York City handle a wave of international migrants and to stabilize its reeling public transit system with her $227 billion state budget Wednesday, even as she warned of tougher economic times ahead.
The wide-ranging spending plan also includes a public university tuition hike, a 10 percent jump in school aid and a proposal to yet again revise state bail law, which is expected to meet resistance from liberal state lawmakers.
The proposal kicks off weeks of intense negotiations with state legislative leaders as they try to agree on a finalized budget by the April 1 deadline.
Hochul said caring for new migrants and the solvency of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which runs subways and other public transit in the downstate region, are among the most pressing issues facing the state. The MTA has been dealing with lower ridership and revenues since the pandemic.
“The New York City economy drives the state of New York, MTA helps drive the New York City economy. So it’s critically important to all of us,” Hochul said during her budget presentation.
Hochul’s MTA package relies in part on increasing a payroll tax on city-area employers to raise
$800 million annually. She also wants the authority to receive a share of state money that will come in from up three new casinos planned for the New York City region.
Hochul called for $1 billion in “extraordinary funding” to provide services and help with migrant resettlement, with the costs divided among the state, city and federal government.
Hochul said President Joe Biden assured her there would be federal money to help the city, though she said “he did not give a number.”
Mayor Eric Adams has said that the city has been overwhelmed with new arrivals and has criticized the practice of some governors who transport migrants straight from the border to the city.
“We will continue to need our federal and state partners to do their part, and we look forward to working in partnership with them,” Adams said in a prepared statement that commended his fellow Democrat for committing state resources.