New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders reached a tentative budget deal on Thursday, almost a month after the official deadline. The agreement includes significant changes to New York's bail laws, the establishment of new charter schools in the city, increased crackdowns on illegal cannabis shops, and an increase to the state’s minimum wage.
Negotiations between Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie eventually reached a compromise that grants judges more leeway when setting bail in violent felony cases. This change removes the requirement for judges to impose the “least restrictive means” clause while keeping intact a section of law defining bail as an instrument ensuring defendants return to court.
An additional $1 billion will be sent by New York State to help cover housing costs for thousands of migrants who have recently arrived in New York City. Furthermore, all three sides agreed upon raising the state's minimum hourly wage from $15 to $17 by 2026 in areas including New York City itself, Long Island and Westchester County; upstate wages would see this increase by 2027.
Inflation adjustments will be made alongside future increases tied directly into inflation rates. Lawmakers are set to begin voting early next week as both Senate and Assembly members left Albany for their weekend recess.
The budget also reveals plans addressing various issues across different sectors:
Illegal marijuana retailers face stronger repercussions following newly introduced language designed explicitly for cracking down on such businesses within the city. The minimum wage hike to $17 per hour is also set to take effect.
A sum of $165 million has been earmarked for funding the transit system, while a payroll mobility tax will be limited only to New York City itself.
Governor Hochul promises ongoing efforts in fighting for and addressing these topics, stating that she would continue "working hard and fighting" on various relevant issues. She also hinted at forthcoming executive actions due for announcement within the next few weeks.