Video & Transcript Research : '993'
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NY
Summary:
The Committee on Rules convened and took up its only agenda item, Senate Bill 3883 by Senator Gianaris, an act pending appropriations. The bill was moved by Senator Lewis and seconded by Senator Gonzalez.
After the motion, the committee called for a vote. There was no recorded opposition, and the bill was reported out of committee.
The meeting then immediately moved on to floor consideration.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Internet and Technology - 04/01/2026
Internet And Technology
Summary:
The committee met at 9:34 a.m. on April 1 with a quorum present and considered several Internet and technology-related bills. The first, S.1815 (Fernandez), would require books created with generative AI to include a disclosure; one member raised concern that the language could unintentionally cover ordinary software like Microsoft Word, and the chair said she would relay that concern to the sponsor. The bill was reported to the Consumer Protection Committee with five in favor, one opposed, and one without recommendation.
The committee then advanced S.4609A (Gounardes), establishing a stop-online-creditors measure, to the Finance Committee, with one opposed. S.7713A (Krueger), restricting the use of automatic license plate reader information, was reported to the floor with five in favor and two opposed. S.7974, the chair’s bill on recovery of online accounts for mobile telephones, also moved to the floor with two opposed.
Two additional bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously: S.8641 (May), giving website and mobile app users the right to refuse non-essential cookies, and S.9097 (May), concerning social referral services, both were reported to the floor with seven in favor. The meeting concluded after a motion to adjourn.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Disabilities - 03/31/2026
People with Disabilities
Summary:
The Senate Disabilities Committee met on March 31, 2026, with Senator Pat Fahy presiding and a quorum present. The committee considered several bills related to disability services, education, housing, and accessibility. Bills advanced included S.1197, requiring day care facilities to maintain evacuation and block-off plans for children with disabilities during emergencies; S.4042, the Traveling with Dignity Act, which was reported to Senate Finance; S.4845, concerning closure or transfer of state-operated individualized residential alternatives; S.4848, extending the OPWDD Care Demonstration Program; S.4908, creating an innovative housing initiative for people with developmental disabilities; S.5538, expanding early intervention eligibility for infants with elevated venous blood levels; and S.7826, directing school districts to establish parent advisory councils on special education.
The committee also discussed S.7792C, which was laid aside for further work with academics and advocacy groups. Most bills were moved by committee members and approved unanimously or without objection. Several measures were reported to the calendar, while others were referred onward, including S.4042 to Senate Finance and S.7826 to Education.
The meeting concluded after all listed bills were acted on, and the committee adjourned.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development - 03/31/2026
Housing, Construction, and Community Development
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Housing, Construction, and Community Development met on March 31, 2026, with a quorum present and noted that the Legislature was in budget negotiations and approaching a scheduled break. The committee took up several housing-related bills, with most being reported to Finance after discussion. The first bill, S.3742A, would require information to be provided in new and renewal leases for certain housing accommodations, and it was reported without opposition. S.4659B, the Rental Emergency Stabilization for Tenants Act, generated the longest debate; supporters said it would give local governments outside New York City a more flexible way to determine a housing emergency and opt into rent stabilization, while opponents argued it lacked a clear vacancy-rate standard, could discourage development, and would benefit higher-income tenants. The bill was ultimately reported, with some negative votes and one or more votes without recommendation.
The committee then discussed S.8168, which would create a deconstruction and salvage framework for building materials, including local options, technical assistance, grants, and related code updates. Supporters said it could reduce landfill use, lower disposal costs, and encourage reuse markets, while opponents questioned costs, market demand, and whether the program would raise housing and demolition expenses. The bill was reported, again with some negative or without-recommendation votes. S.8595, dealing with how certain valuations and amounts due are calculated in foreclosure actions, was also reported. S.8672, the Employer-Assisted Housing Matching Grant Act, would provide a state match for employer housing assistance for certain nonprofit human services employers; members raised concerns about scope, possible double-dipping, and whether the program should be expanded to other workers, but the bill was reported with some negative and without-recommendation votes.
The final bill, S.94A, made a minor amendment to the Housing Access Voucher Pilot Program regarding priority applicants and unit inspections, and it was reported as well. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly emphasized that several proposals were optional for local governments or employers rather than mandates, and many of the exchanges focused on affordability, housing supply, local control, and the fiscal effects of the bills. No floor votes were taken; the committee’s actions were limited to reporting the bills to Finance, with some reported favorably and others reported with negative or without-recommendation votes.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 03/31/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a Rules Committee report advancing several bills directly to third reading, including Senate Print 9630, an appropriations extender for government operations, and Senate Print 9631, an extender related to Part U1 of Chapter 61 of the Laws of 2023. The chamber then moved to the controversial calendar and debated the first extender, with Senator O’Mara questioning what the bill covered, how much funding it extended, and the status of budget negotiations. Senator Krueger said the extender covered about $1 billion for payroll and certain payments for agencies including Health, Law, OPWDD, and Veterans Services through April 7, and described the budget talks as still unresolved, with no announced follow-up Joint Budget Conference Committee meetings or table targets. She also discussed utility affordability proposals, including a three-year moratorium on A.I. and crypto data/storage facilities and support for green energy and low-income ratepayer relief. O’Mara argued the lack of urgency and absence of written proposals on climate and utility costs was concerning. Both extender bills were then passed, with the first receiving 59 ayes and the second passing 46-13 after debate over its two-year duration.
The Senate then adopted the resolution calendar, excluding two items initially, and took up two resolutions. Resolution 1821, sponsored by Senator Ramos, recognized Farmworkers Day and highlighted the essential role of farmworkers, the history of organizing for farmworker rights, and concerns about immigrant workers facing fear and retaliation; Senator May added support, noting the importance of farm labor to dairy production and food supply and the impact of deportation fears on farms in her district. The resolution was adopted. Resolution 1823, sponsored by Senator Zellner, proclaimed March 20, 2026 as Behavior Analysis Day in New York, recognizing applied behavior analysis and its benefits for individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, education, healthcare, and other fields; it was also adopted.
The chamber also welcomed a group of students from Queens visiting Albany, with Senator Comrie speaking about the importance of civics education and government engagement. After the introductions and acknowledgments, there was no further business, and the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, April 1, at 11:00 a.m.
NY
Summary:
The meeting was a brief rules/committee session focused on advancing several Senate bills. Senate Bill 9598 by Senator Stavisky, Senate Bill 9599 by Senator Bailey, and Senate Bill 9630 and 9631 by Senator Krueger were each moved, seconded, and reported out without recorded opposition. The transcript indicates these measures dealt with amendments to the Public Health Law, insurance-related provisions, appropriations, and an amendment to Part U of the laws, though the discussion itself was minimal.
After the bills were reported, the chair noted that the bills were cleared for third reading and that the “Cougar bills” would be coming out that day. No substantive debate or testimony was recorded, and the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Local Government - 03/31/2026
Local Governments
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Local Government met for its third meeting and considered 10 bills, with Senators Fahy, Rolison, Weik, and others present. The chair thanked committee and finance staff before moving through the agenda. Most of the measures were local tax exemption or municipal administration bills, including S.3190 expanding eligibility for a State of New York Mortgage Agency low-interest-rate program, S.435 allowing the Nassau County assessor to accept a real property tax exemption application from Powell House, and S.444A concerning industrial development agencies and the definition of labor organization.
The committee also advanced S.74872 on notice of health insurance contracts for retired officers, employees, and their families, S.6817 and S.8263 involving Nassau County and a retroactive exemption for Congregation Cahal Mavakche Hesham, S.9325 creating a real property tax exemption for surviving spouses of correction officers killed in the line of duty, S.9326 authorizing Babylon to accept an exemption application from Tiggerman Community Services, and S.9351 exempting the Village of Williamsville Fire Department from the non-resident membership cap. S.9409, authorizing the Commissioner of Transportation to extend a lease of lands in Farmingdale, was also considered.
For each bill, members generally offered brief motions and seconds, with little debate or testimony recorded. All of the bills were reported out of committee, and S.74872 was specifically reported to finance. The meeting then adjourned.
NY
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met for its fourth meeting of the year and considered a series of bills, mostly on civil practice, real property, and court administration. SB 26A on extreme risk protection orders drew some concern about possible unintended consequences and broad exclusions for minors, but it was moved and reported to Codes. SB 1116, designating April 20 as New York State Constitution Day, was moved quickly and reported to the floor.
The committee spent the most time on SB 1477, which would limit certain debt-collection practices involving sovereign debt and so-called vulture investors. Senator Krueger explained that the bill is narrowly targeted at investors who buy distressed sovereign bonds with the intent to sue in New York courts, while Senator Palumbo raised concerns about breadth and possible effects on legitimate lending and contract rights. After extended discussion and assurances that the bill would not affect ordinary investors or credit-card debt, it was moved and reported to Finance. Members also discussed SB 7541 on transparency for co-ops and condos; some members warned of unintended consequences and opposition from the co-op/condo community, while others argued it would improve disclosure. The bill was ultimately reported to the floor.
Several other bills were approved with little or no opposition: SB 2546 on abandoned multiple dwellings, SB 8294 requiring more detailed judicial determinations on motions, SB 8372 on expenses in matrimonial actions, SB 8870 extending supervision requirements for a real estate license application, and SB 9482 creating a New York City Civil Court subpart for eviction matters involving affordable housing providers and small landlords. SB 9482 drew supportive comments, with a note that funding and staffing would be needed in the budget for it to function effectively. All bills considered were moved out of committee and reported to the appropriate next committee or to the floor.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Women's Issues - 03/25/2026
Women's Issues
Summary:
The Women’s Issues Committee met on March 25 at 9:38 a.m. with a quorum present, including Senators Baskin, Serrano, Scarcella-Spanton, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Stavisky, and Weik. The committee considered several public health and insurance bills focused on women’s reproductive and maternal health, with Senator April Baskin and Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick present for the meeting.
The bills discussed were S.3578, establishing a uterine fibroids awareness and education program; S.56658, establishing a dual awareness and education program; S.494, requiring health insurance coverage for doula services as maternity care; S.862, creating doula-friendly work spaces; and S.9076, directing the Department of Health to create an informational pamphlet on intrauterine devices. Members asked no substantive questions during the meeting, and the measures were generally advanced by motion and second.
All five bills were reported out of committee and moved to first reading. On S.494, Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick voted without recommendation; the other bills were approved without recorded opposition. The meeting then adjourned after the final bill was advanced.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions - 03/24/202
Civil Service And Pensions
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions met on March 24, 2026, with a quorum present and eight bills on the agenda. The committee considered measures affecting retirement and leave benefits for several groups, including NYC sanitation members (S-4667A), NYC correction members (S-4706A), county and municipal airport firefighters (S-9262), NYC water supply police (S-9356), EMT members in the NYC Employees’ Retirement System (S-9378), Suffolk County correction officers (S-9394), and Civil Air Patrol members on Air Force-assigned missions (S-9406). The committee also took up S.A.424A, which would provide a legacy credit to children and siblings of military service members or those killed in the line of duty; members spoke in support of the bill as a way to recognize and support military families.
Most bills were moved without opposition and received unanimous approval, with the chair repeatedly confirming vote counts from the voting sheets. S-4667A, S-4706A, S.A.424A, S-9262, S-9356, S-9378, and S-9394 each received seven ayes, zero nays, and zero abstentions/AWRs. S-9406 also advanced, but with one AWR and six ayes. Members offered brief supportive comments on several bills, especially those benefiting veterans, correction officers, firefighters, and other public safety workers.
All eight bills were reported out of committee, most to the Finance Committee and S.A.424A to the floor. The meeting then adjourned after no further business was raised.
NY
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Codes met in a different room due to scheduling conflicts and considered a series of bills, mostly criminal procedure, penal law, civil rights, and executive law measures. Several bills had previously passed the Senate unanimously and were quickly moved through committee, including measures sponsored by Senators Harkham, Scootis, Bernardis, Scarsella Spanton, Conrad, Ryan, Jimenez, and others. The committee also considered Senate Print 1004A by Senator Brisport, which would amend the Criminal Procedure Law and Mental Hygiene Law to address prolonged detention of incapacitated individuals; Senator Palumbo supported the bill’s intent but objected to the mechanism, and the bill was reported to finance with Palumbo in the negative and Gallivan without recommendation.
Senator Bailey’s Senate Print 4525, focused on language access in criminal procedure, drew supportive comments about ensuring non-English speakers are not denied justice, but it was reported with Senator Kavanagh without recommendation and Senators Murray and Palumbo in the negative. The committee also advanced Senate Print 5110A by Senator Scarcella Spanton, which would increase protections for HPD inspectors by making assaults on them a low-level felony; members expressed concern about increasing penalties but agreed the bill had merit, and it was reported with Kavanagh without recommendation and Brisport and Sepúlveda in the negative.
The most extended discussion centered on Senate Print 3021C by Senator Hinchy, which would require a uniform tattoo policy for state and local law enforcement. Members debated First Amendment concerns, subjectivity in determining what is “offensive,” and whether the bill should set clearer guardrails or simply require agencies to adopt a policy. Supporters said the bill aimed to create statewide consistency and reflect changing norms around tattoos, while critics worried about subjective enforcement and potential constitutional issues. The bill was moved by Senator Myrie and reported, with Senators Sepúlveda and Brisport without recommendation. The meeting then adjourned after the chair thanked members for the discussion.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications - 03/24/2026
Energy And Telecommunications
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, chaired by Senator Cameron Parker, considered a large agenda focused on utility consumer protections, rate transparency, NYSERDA oversight, and energy transition policy. Several bills were discussed in detail, including measures to prohibit residential utility shutoffs during extreme temperature forecasts (Bill 120A), delay shutoffs and late fees while a utility is under certain PSC investigations (Bill 904B), require disclosure of planned rate increases (Bill 4989A), limit certain utility charges after 12 months (Bill 8710), and require utilities to disclose more information with major rate change applications (Bill 9433A). The committee also considered bills on net energy metering credits (Bill 1553), reconnection for low-income customers (Bill 965), sanctions and civil penalties (Bill 8908), and annual NYSERDA reporting obligations (Bill 1819).
Members raised recurring concerns about affordability, arrears, and who ultimately bears costs when utilities are prevented from collecting immediately. Senator Walczyk repeatedly questioned whether protections would shift costs to other ratepayers, while sponsors and the chair emphasized that the bills did not erase arrears but created temporary consumer protections. Senator May noted that some proposals could produce significant savings for ratepayers. On Bill 1819, Senator Walczyk supported greater accountability for NYSERDA’s use of ratepayer-funded money. Bill 1668, which would authorize NYSERDA to administer grants for switching residents to electric heat pumps, drew questions about funding; staff said it would be funded off-budget from existing sources and would have no direct state cost, though it could require shifting existing program resources.
The committee advanced most bills to third reading after motions and votes, with several measures receiving no votes but still moving forward. Bill 2477 was held for possible amendments. Bill 4989A was referred to the Consumer Protection Committee. Bill 5111, the Just Energy Transition Act, prompted extended discussion about its study timeline and a PSC order to facilitate replacement and redevelopment of at least 4 gigawatts of fossil fuel generation; the bill was advanced to third reading after debate. The meeting concluded with adjournment after the committee completed its agenda.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction - 03/24/2026
Crime Victims, Crime And Correction
Summary:
The Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction met under Chair Senator Julia Salazar and considered nine bills, with the first bill laid aside at the sponsor’s request for further stakeholder discussion. The committee then took up measures on correctional policy, including prohibiting county correction officers from dispensing medications to incarcerated individuals, expanding conditional release for eligible offenders who complete post-secondary degrees or programs, requiring at least one formerly incarcerated person on the State Board of Parole, and authorizing vocational training in solar hot water system installation for incarcerated individuals. Members generally expressed support for the rehabilitative and workforce-training goals of several bills.
The committee also discussed a bill directing a study of gender disparities in programming and resources between men’s and women’s facilities, with Senator Pete Harckham noting concerns from women in his district about unequal access to programming. Another bill would authorize transfer of pregnant and postpartum incarcerated individuals to residential treatment facilities, and a separate measure would establish emergency management release plans for correctional facilities during declared state disasters. The final bill would provide mental health counseling for correction officers and civilian staff in correctional facilities.
Most bills were moved by motion and reported from committee, often with Senator Dean Murray voting no or noting opposition/abstention on several measures. The conditional release bill was reported to Finance, while the others were reported from committee. No additional amendments or substantive votes were described beyond the committee actions on each bill.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Investigations and Government Operations - 03/24/2026
Investigations And Government Operations
Summary:
The Committee on Investigations and Government Operations met on March 24, 2026 and took up a ten-bill agenda. Most of the measures were advanced by motion and second with little debate, and several were referred onward to other committees, including Finance, Local Government, Ethics, and Labor. Bills discussed included S.334 on publishing records of public interest, S.348 and S.3836 on Alcoholic Beverage Control Law changes, S.407 on the Executive Law, S.1572, S.3145, and S.7880A on the Tax Law, and S.7990 on the Executive Law and County Law. S.646 was reported, while S.334, S.348, S.407, S.1572, S.3145, S.4693, S.7880A, and S.7990 were referred to other committees as noted.
A notable discussion occurred on S.4693, the Taxpayer Access to Publicly Funded Research Act. Members asked how public access would work and whether posting research online could affect scholarly journals that rely on subscriptions. Staff explained that the bill would require publicly funded research to be posted on agency websites and that the intent was to make taxpayer-supported findings available to the public without additional advertising or special access mechanisms. The sponsor’s rationale was that taxpayers should be able to access research they helped fund, though concerns about the impact on journals were acknowledged.
Votes were generally favorable, with a few recorded objections or abstentions. S.348, S.1572, and S.7880A each had at least one nay, and several bills had one without-recommendation vote. The committee ultimately reported S.646 and S.3836, while the other measures were referred to the appropriate committees for further consideration.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 03/23/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, and then took up a series of previously adopted resolutions recognizing individuals, communities, and state traditions. The chamber honored Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis posthumously after his Medal of Honor recognition, with remarks from Senator Scarcella-Spanton and others praising his sacrifice and welcoming his parents. Senators also celebrated New York maple producers and Maple Weekends, Bangladesh Independence Day and the contributions of Bangladeshi New Yorkers, York Middle/High School girls varsity volleyball for winning a state championship, Pavilion/York Air Rifle for winning the state invitational championship, and Tartan Day. These resolutions were adopted, and the sponsors opened them for co-sponsorship.
The Senate then moved through the regular calendar and passed multiple bills, including measures on environmental conservation, personal property, agriculture and markets, insurance, state law, executive law, workers’ compensation, election law, correction law, public health, and parks/historic preservation. Most passed with broad support, though some drew a handful of negative votes. One bill on election law, allowing certain 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they will be 18 by the general election, prompted supportive floor debate from several senators and passed 43-17. Another bill on correction law also passed after debate.
A notable controversy arose over Calendar 227, a Public Authorities Law bill related to school energy planning and electric buses. Senator Borrello challenged an amendment as nongermane, the Chair ruled against it, and the Senate voted 22-0 to sustain the ruling. The underlying bill then passed, despite criticism from senators who argued the state should repeal the electric bus mandate and instead study safer, more practical alternatives for school districts. The Senate then completed its business and adjourned until March 24 at 3:00 p.m.
NY
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Insurance met on March 23, 2006, with Senator Jamaal Bailey presiding and several members present, including the ranking member and Senators Skoufis, Addabbo, Harckham, O'Mara, and later Ashby. The committee considered six bills. The first, S.34 (Ritter), relating to elevated lead levels screening, was moved and approved, with Senators Helming and O'Mara recorded without recommendation, and referred to the Finance Committee. The second, S.2648 (D'Avanzo), would require commercial insurance coverage for dental nightguards; members discussed whether it applied to standalone dental plans and who would bear the cost, and the bill was reported to the floor with Senators Helming and O'Mara without recommendation.
The committee then approved S.3352 (Bailey), concerning electronic delivery under the Insurance Law and Vehicle and Traffic Law, and S.547 (Bailey), allowing reward or incentive programs for delivery drivers. Both were moved without substantive debate and reported to the floor. S.60122A (Bailey), permitting licensed insurance professionals to carry over up to five hours of continuing education credit between biennial licensing periods, was also approved and reported. The final bill, S.6551A (Bailey), expanding breast cancer screening coverage to include imaging, guide, and biopsies, was approved and referred to the Finance Committee. The meeting concluded after all agenda items were acted on.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 03/19/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Major Brittany Wooten, then took up Senate Resolution No. 1749 designating March 19, 2026, as West Point Day in New York State. Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Senator Skoufis, Minority Leader Ortt, and several other senators spoke in support of West Point, its cadets, and the academy’s history and role in national service. Colonel Daniel R. Stuewe, commander of U.S. Army Garrison West Point, also addressed the chamber, emphasizing the long-standing partnership between West Point and New York and the academy’s mission to develop leaders of character. The resolution was adopted, and the West Point Day observance included recognition of cadets and academy staff.
The Senate then moved through a calendar of bills, passing measures including amendments to the Public Health Law, Election Law, Executive Law, Penal Law, Elder Law, Real Property Tax Law, General Municipal Law, and Public Authorities Law. Several bills drew brief explanations of vote or debate. Senator Mayer spoke in support of a bill establishing Fred Korematsu Day, framing it as a reminder of the injustice of Japanese American internment and the need to defend civil rights. Senator Ryan supported a bill streamlining the senior citizen property tax exemption process, calling it a way to reduce burdens on older residents. Senator Helming opposed a local government planning mandate as an unfunded mandate, while Senators Walczyk and Martins criticized a housing-related reporting bill as burdensome and ineffective.
The most debated item was Calendar 457, a housing-data and reporting bill sponsored by Senator May. Supporters argued it would improve transparency and help the state understand zoning and housing capacity, while opponents said it imposed new reporting burdens on municipalities and could penalize poorer communities by threatening CDBG funding. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and ultimately passed by a vote of 37-23. The Senate then adjourned until the next legislative day.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
2026 Joint Budget Subcommittee on Higher Education - 03/18/2026
Summary:
The Higher Education Conference Committee met to discuss budget priorities for SUNY, CUNY, community colleges, TAP, student aid, and capital funding. Chair Toby Ann Stavisky emphasized the need for increased operating and capital support, protection against enrollment-based funding losses, no tuition increases, a review of TAP because it has not kept pace with living costs, and action on student loan access and research funding cuts. Assembly Chair Alicia Hyndman outlined the Assembly’s higher education proposal, including $475.7 million to expand TAP eligibility, raising income thresholds for TAP and the Excelsior Scholarship, creating a graduate tuition assistance program, adding community college operating aid, expanding the Opportunity Promise Scholarship, forgiving SUNY hospital debt service, increasing CUNY operating support, restoring opportunity program funding, creating a $110 million student loan support program called New York Rises, and funding five-year capital plans for SUNY and CUNY plus additional ECAP grants.
Members broadly supported making higher education more affordable and accessible, while highlighting district-specific needs. Senator May praised SUNY Reconnect, community college workforce programs, hospital debt service relief, and a five-year SUNY capital plan. Senator Gonzalez framed the budget as an investment in economic mobility. Senator Griffo supported affordability, operating and capital aid, and additional support for medical schools and hospitals. Assembly Members Walker, Colton, and Fall backed TAP expansion, opportunity programs, disability supports, SUNY Downstate’s transformation, and capital needs at CUNY and SUNY campuses.
Assembly Member Smullen, speaking for the minority conference, urged a five-way budget process, said TAP has not kept pace with inflation, and called for a more stable long-term funding model for community colleges. He also stressed aligning higher education with workforce needs. Assembly Member Pirozzolo pointed to the College of Staten Island as an example of the benefits of investment and warned that employers recruiting students directly from high school could weaken higher education unless colleges continue strengthening trade and career training. The meeting ended with no vote on the budget items, and the chairs adjourned the conference committee after concluding remarks.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
2026 Joint Budget Subcommittee on Commerce / Economic Dev. and Small Business - 03/18/2026
Summary:
The joint Economic Development budget subcommittee meeting opened with introductions, review of subcommittee rules, and identification of the agencies to be discussed, including the Department of Economic Development, Urban Development Corporation, Alcohol and Beverage Control, Cannabis Management, and the Gaming Commission. The chairs also outlined broad budget priorities, including support for innovation hotspots, incubators, minority- and women-owned businesses, biomedical research, centers of excellence, advanced technology, workforce development, and grants tied to tourism, cultural institutions, public safety equipment, and food retail subsidies.
Most member comments focused on small business conditions and economic development policy. Senators Borrello and Chan emphasized that small businesses are the backbone of the economy and argued for reducing taxes, utility costs, fines, permits, and regulations; Chan suggested a possible one-year utility tax holiday. Assembly Member Slater similarly criticized New York’s tax and regulatory climate and promoted legislation to create a Department of Regulatory Review and Economic Growth. Assembly Member Buttenschon discussed one-house proposals such as changes to small business stock ownership rules and a hardship savings account, while Assembly Member Bendett said county infrastructure funding should be increased substantially.
Several members highlighted sector-specific investments. Senator Addabbo and Assembly Member Woerner stressed the importance of racing and gaming, including addiction treatment and recovery, integrity in racing, and stronger drug testing. Assembly Member Otis pointed to science and technology initiatives such as Micron, Empire AI, quantum research at Stony Brook, and broadband/digital inclusion through ConnectALL. Assembly Member Cashman supported investment in the Cornell Center for Food and Agriculture, and Senator Hinchey praised tourism matching grants, restaurant and farm food donation tax credits, and incentives for heat pumps and clean energy retrofits.
No formal votes were taken. The meeting ended with staff continuing consultations with members and the chairs concluding the session.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
2026 Joint Budget Subcommittee on General Government / Local Assistance - 03/18/2026
Summary:
The Budget Subcommittee on General Government and Local Assistance held its first meeting on the 2026/2027 state budget, with opening remarks from Senate Co-Chair Senator James Skoufis and Assembly Co-Chair Assembly Member Michaelle Solages. They introduced members, designated secretaries, and identified the agencies and budget areas under the subcommittee’s purview, including tax and finance, the Division of Budget, ethics and lobbying, financial services, general services, state charges, inspector general, state, audit and control, tax appeals, IT services, aid to localities, statewide financial systems, the Board of Elections, alcohol beverage control, and miscellaneous general government.
Discussion focused on affordability, local government aid, and the strain on municipalities from rising costs, aging infrastructure, and state mandates. Senator Walczyk emphasized lowering taxes, reducing regulations, and increasing support for local governments, including AIM and CHIPS funding, while criticizing high housing, energy, and insurance costs. Assembly Minority members echoed concerns about the 2 percent property tax cap, utility bills, mandated costs, and the need for more permanent aid rather than temporary assistance. Assembly Member Ari Brown argued that the proposals did not provide enough long-term certainty, noting differences among the Governor’s, Assembly’s, and Senate’s funding levels for municipal aid and related programs.
Assembly Member Burdick also supported stronger funding for municipalities, drawing on his local government experience. The co-chairs noted that no table target had yet been received and that negotiations would continue on open issues in general government. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after brief closing remarks about ongoing budget talks among the Senate, Assembly, and Governor.