Governor Hochul secures $3.7B extender bill for state operations through April 9

In a critical session of the New York State Assembly on April 7, 2025, lawmakers approved a budget extender bill that ensures continued funding for essential state operations through April 9. This decision comes amid ongoing budget negotiations, highlighting the urgency of maintaining services that directly impact residents.

The extender bill, which appropriates $3.7 billion, covers various state expenses, including administrative payroll, public health programs, unemployment insurance, and veterans services. This funding is crucial as it supports not only state employees but also essential services that many New Yorkers rely on daily.

Assembly members discussed the implications of this extender, noting that it marks the third in a series of temporary measures needed to keep state operations running smoothly. The bill ensures that employees across various state departments, including those in the executive branch and legislative staff, will receive their paychecks without interruption. This is particularly significant as the legislature has been working diligently to finalize the state budget, which has yet to be passed.

During the discussions, concerns were raised about the ongoing budget delays and the need for a more streamlined process. Assembly members expressed hope that this would be the last extender needed, emphasizing the importance of adhering to budget deadlines to avoid future disruptions in state services.

In addition to the primary funding issues, lawmakers touched on broader policy discussions, including the potential for standalone votes on significant issues like mask mandates and discovery law changes. There was a call for transparency and fairness in the legislative process, urging that important policies be debated and voted on independently rather than being bundled into budget discussions.

The Assembly's unanimous approval of the extender bill reflects a collective commitment to ensuring that state operations continue without financial hiccups, ultimately benefiting the residents of New York. As the legislature moves forward, the focus remains on concluding budget negotiations promptly to provide stability and support for all New Yorkers.