News in New York – State Budget, City Legislation, Albany 40 Under 40

May 1, 2023

State Budget “Conceptual Agreement”

Governor Hochul has announced a “conceptual agreement” on the state budget at an expected $229 billion. State Sen. Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie were not present for the announcement. While no budget language has been announced yet, Gov. Hochul emphasized that there will be changes to state bail laws, new charter schools, and emissions requirements for buildings.

Mayor Executive Budget

Mayor Adams has released his FY24 Executive Budget, with the expense budget totaling $106.7 billion. The Executive Budget includes new spending proposals focused on mental health resources, curbside organic waste programs, and the college to workforce pipeline. The budget also includes $4.3 billion for spending on asylum seekers. Outyear budget gaps remain for upcoming fiscal years, partially due to increased pay for city workers in new labor contracts. The City Council will begin holding hearings on the Mayor’s Executive Budget during the week of May 8.

NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation

Last Thursday, the NYC Council convened a Stated meeting, where they passed and introduced multiple pieces of legislation. The Council approved bills creating a homeless bill of rights, implementing daylighting measures to improve sightlines for motorists, and requiring NYPD officers to undergo training on how to interact with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The Council introduced a bill establishing a “day-fines” pilot program, which would take daily disposable income into account when establishing a civil penalty. A resolution was also introduced supporting the incorporation of arts and music education into the public school curriculum. You can find all of the bills that were passed and introduced here.

Albany 40 under 40

Katrell Lewis has been named to City & State NY’s 2023 Albany 40 under 40. Albany 40 Under 40 honors rising stars who are shaping New York State government. Lewis works on affordable housing and land use issues with Public Strategies’ New York practice.

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