UPDATE: Albany Legislature votes to extend budget deadline through Monday, April 10

ALBANY- State lawmakers in the legislature voted Monday to extend New York’s budget deadline.

Under the push by Governor Hochul, the deadline has now been extended through Monday, April 10, a move some North Country lawmakers mock as “embarrassing.”

“It’s like Groundhog Day all over again: Democrats want to spend more of our money, want to force even more progressive and dangerous policies on us, fail to deliver an on-time budget they had months to prepare, all while pretending they’re actually in touch with the real crisis facing New Yorkers: affordability,” said State Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush.

Ken Blankenbush image.

“I’m hopeful that the final budget – whenever that may be – comes together a lot better than the process that’s led us here today.”

With that being said, Governor Hochul says the budget deal must promise progress for the key concerns among New Yorkers, including public safety, rising costs and others.

“I have been negotiating in good faith with the legislature, but it is clear there is more work to be done before we reach an agreement,” the Governor said.

“We must make real progress to make New York more affordable, more livable and safer.”

Last-year’s budget was over a week late by the time a final agreement was made.

Headline image via the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.