ALBANY, NY- It’s a done deal - Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie agreed Tuesday on New York’s fiscal year 2022 budget.
“This budget continues funding for the largest-in-the-nation $311 billion infrastructure plan, establishes a groundbreaking program to provide affordable internet for low-income families and enhances public safety through police reforms, all while continuing to provide relief to New Yorkers and small businesses as we recover from the pandemic,” the Governor said.
Being nearly a week late, lawmakers took no time in reacting to the budget’s passing.
"The final budget deal just released by Gov. Cuomo is nothing short of shameful. It is a reckless $212 billion wish list. This deal cut between the governor, Senate and Assembly Majorities falls short of what our constituents expect from state government. Adding taxes to the already highest-taxed state in the country is beyond counterproductive,” North Country Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-BLACK RIVER) said.
"Not only are we adding taxes in this budget, but we are giving undocumented immigrants/workers $2 billion. This is double the number we are giving to our small businesses. That is totally outrageous."
"I could not in good faith vote in favor of any part of this budget,” Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C,I,SAM-Meco) said.
“It increases unnecessary spending and raises taxes, on top of $12 billion dollars of national debt financed aid coming from Washington, D.C. This budget exemplifies the progressive greed of one party rule, and did not deserve any 'yes' votes, even on matters of local importance. It is a fiscal stain on our legislative history to see such a bloated budget pass."
Fiscal Highlights of the FY 2022 Enacted Budget:
-State Operating Funds spending is $111 billion.
-All Funds spending $212 billion for FY 2022.
-Applies $5.5 billion in federal aid.
-Provides $29.5 billion in School Aid, a $3 billion, 11% increase.
-Provides $7.7 billion in State support for higher education in New York.
Image courtesy of the Governor's Office.
