In his $227 billion state budget, Governor Hochul made clear his proposal to address the immigration crisis, reform public transportation, the bail system, education and housing systems.
“This will include investments in areas that will have a positive impact on people’s lives,” the governor said.
“With the executive budget I present today, I’m making sure I continue to open doors of opportunity for all and continue to lead the nation in the fight against climate change, housing, mental health care, education and more , because this is New York,” the governor said in a message on social media.
With the executive budget I outlined today, I’m making sure we continue to open doors of opportunity for all and lead the nation in tackling climate change, housing, mental health care, education, and more — because This is New York. pic.twitter.com/5HgaSm9mEJ
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) February 1, 2023
New York City would receive more than $20.9 billion in state aid under the proposal.
This amount includes one billion to help address the immigration crisis in the city. This is to cover the costs associated with shelters and the National Guard’s support and medical care expenses.
Activists advocating for the rights of immigrants are hopeful.
“We don’t have all the details, but I think it’s hopeful. We’re in a very advanced crisis, we have over 40,000 people in the city, so our response is a little, like… ‘about time’ Nilebia Coyote, director of NICE, said.
Hochul also announced plans to ease the state’s housing crisis by building 800,000 new housing units over the next decade.
As far as education is concerned, New York City will receive $13.1 billion in state funding.
And on public transportation, the Democratic governor plans to help the MTA cover its nearly $3 billion budget debt through 2025 by raising taxes on downstate businesses that benefit from the transit network.
Measure that would generate more than $800 million per year.
“Well, it’s a good plan, that it belongs to companies that have the resources to help us provide better service to users and employees,” said Mercedes Barzalo, a resident of Queens.
And at the judicial level, Hochul proposes expanding “judicial discretion,” which could restore the right to set bail for repeat offenders.
State Senator Jessica Ramos, on her part, said the budget does not include an increase in the minimum wage.
Ramos said, “She doesn’t want to raise it, just tie it to inflation and that makes living in New York very difficult.”
The senator said Hochul also failed to keep children of undocumented immigrants out of child care programs.
Budget talks with the legislature are expected to conclude on April 1.
A deal is expected to be difficult after a Senate committee rejected Hector LaSalle, the governor’s nominee for a state appeals court judge.
