Overview

• The $254 billion budget increases state spending by $12.3 billion, with $2.3 billion added during negotiations since January.
• Key affordability measures include tax rebates of $400 for joint filers, $200 for single filers, an expanded child tax credit, and universal free school meals.
• The plan allocates $6 billion to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s five-year capital program, split evenly between the state and New York City.
• Legal reforms include changes to discovery laws to reduce case dismissals and expanded involuntary commitment standards for the severely mentally ill.
• Critics highlight the lack of transparency, as Gov. Hochul used messages of necessity to bypass the three-day public review requirement for the delayed budget.