Luke Parsnow reported for New York State of Politics that New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's first proposed budget is a $216.3 billion spending plan with investments in a post-pandemic world. On Jan. 18 Hochul released her first budget proposal with $2 billion in pandemic relief funds, including $350 million for businesses as well as theater and musical arts, and $1.2 billion for bonuses for health care workers, and $1.6 billion for upgrades for health care facilities. (Click here to download or play a clip of Hochul's address about her budget plan.) Hochul is also proposing $31.2 billion for education aid, an increase of $2.1 billion. And spending for child care would also be increased by $1.4 billion, if the legislature goes along with Hochul's proposal. Read more about this story at New York State of Politics.