The state budget is expected to pass this week after five separate deadline extensions.
Some analysts say they are concerned that the “
conceptual agreement” that Gov. Hochul announced last week could fall apart over the weekend, but it appears the handshake agreement has lasted.
Some of the budget’s highlights include bail reform changes, a minimum wage increase and funding for the MTA.
Under the new budget, judges would have discretion to decide whether a defendant is considered dangerous to the community.
The MTA would receive $1.1 billion, upping contributions to Access-A-Ride.
The minimum wage in the city, Westchester, and Long Island would go up to $16 an hour.
A significant feature that was dropped was funding for Hochul’s housing plan to build 800,000 new homes over the next decade. However, she says she is not giving up on the plan and will keep working on it.
A vote on the budget could come sometime this week.