North Country lawmakers speak out amidst another late State budget in Albany

ALBANY, NY- Funding for affordable housing and education are two of the top factors in another late budget for New York State.

Traditionally, the deadline is April 1. Last Thursday evening, Governor Hochul told news reporters that negotiations are nearing an end, but some state lawmakers representing the North Country are not pleased with how the session has gone so far this year.

“The most upsetting part is the complete lack of urgency shown by the Democrat members. We need to stop dilly-dallying and finish this budget,” Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) accused.

“It’s time to pass the budget—why we are back in Albany on a Sunday to instead pass another emergency budget extender is ridiculous," said Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks).

"This lack of planning is not what New York families want to see, especially when they were hoping to see the state budget passed nearly a week ago. Returning to Albany just to pass another extender is simply a waste of taxpayer dollars. I hope this is the last extender we see so the budget can be finalized and we can start directing those dollars where they need to go.”

For context, a budget extender was first passed to carry over through Easter weekend and the majority of last week.

Last Thursday, a second budget extender was approved and a third one is in the works now from the legislative chambers.

Stay tuned, we plan on speaking with our state lawmakers soon on North Country News.

NYS Capitol Plaza image.