• The New York State Legislature passed a $254 billion budget, $2.3 billion higher than initially proposed by Governor Hochul, after delayed and difficult negotiations.
• Key components of the budget include tax rebate checks for families, an expanded child tax credit, funding for the MTA, and changes to rules regarding legislator outside income and campaign finance.
• The budget process was criticized for its lack of transparency and rushed timeline, with concerns raised about potential federal funding cuts and the need for a special session in the fall.

The New York State Legislature finalized and passed a $254 billion budget, resolving a significant delay beyond the April 1st deadline. The budget agreement between Governor Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders includes provisions for tax rebates, expanded child tax credits, increased Medicaid payments, and substantial funding for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). However, the budget process was met with criticism for its lack of transparency, reliance on 'messages of necessity' to expedite voting, and potential vulnerabilities to federal funding cuts and economic downturns.

• What: The New York State Legislature passed a $254 billion budget that includes tax rebates, an expanded child tax credit, funding for the MTA, and changes to rules regarding legislator outside income and campaign finance.
• Who: Key individuals involved include Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senator Thomas O’Mara, Assemblymember Ed Ra, and Senate Finance Committee Chairwoman Liz Krueger.
• When: The budget was passed in early May 2025, after a delay beyond the April 1st deadline. Some measures, like the outside income limit, are delayed until 2027.
• Where: The events occurred in Albany, New York, at the State Capitol.

The passage of the New York State budget marks the end of a protracted negotiation period characterized by disagreements over policy and spending priorities. The budget includes several key initiatives aimed at providing financial relief to families and supporting critical infrastructure. However, the process has been criticized for its lack of transparency and the rushed nature of the final vote, raising concerns about accountability and public input. The potential for federal funding cuts adds further uncertainty to the state's financial outlook, potentially requiring a special session to address any shortfalls. The delay in implementing the outside income limit for legislators and the modifications to the public campaign finance program raise ethical questions and concerns about the influence of special interests.

"Working with our partners in the legislature we’ve reached an agreement to pass a balanced, fiscally responsible budget. Good things take time and this budget is going to make a real difference for New York families."

"This budget process is a flawed model. But it’s the model we’ve got and we need to move forward and continue to work as a legislature, both parties, with the governor on the budget process as we move forward."

"The process is flawed. We have six budget bills outstanding that are not in print. They are not finalized and we are asked to go forward on less than 21 hours notice ... that’s insufficient time ... for any of us to know fully what’s in it."

The New York State budget for 2025 represents a compromise reached after lengthy negotiations. While it includes measures aimed at providing financial relief and supporting key services, the budget process has drawn criticism for its lack of transparency and potential long-term financial vulnerabilities. The legislature may need to revisit the budget in the fall, depending on federal funding decisions and the overall economic climate. The debates surrounding ethics and transparency are likely to continue as the state moves forward.