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Hochul unveils budget proposal

Jan 16, 2024 12:55 am

Nick Reisman reports for Politico that Gov. Kathy Hochul will unveil her proposed state budget on Jan. 16, a $233 billion spending plan that closes a $4.3 billion gap and does not add any broad-based tax increases. Hochul's proposed 2.4 percent increase in school aid is smaller than in recent budget agreements and will likely be discussed in the negotiations with the Democratic-dominated Legislature. The proposed budget also has $1.9 billion in the coming fiscal year to address the ongoing migrant crisis. Republicans criticizing Hochul want her to do something else about the issue. Rep. Marc Molinaro, who represents the 19th Congressional District, told reporters during a Jan. 15 news conference that, “We can slow the flow, ensure border security and then rightfully help those who are honest and have the right to enter this country through the asylum-seeker process.” The 2024 presidential and Congressional elections will be the backdrop for budget negotiations this year. Read more about this story in Politico.