Assembly advances $231.1 billion aid-to-localities budget bill with funding for school meals, child care and housing vouchers

The New York State Assembly advanced Assembly Bill 3003D, the aid‑to‑localities budget for state fiscal year 2025–26, a bill that carries $231,100,000,000 in all‑funds appropriations and authorizes up to $85,000,000,000 in general fund disbursements.

The bill includes funding for education, child care, housing and transportation programs that the Assembly sponsor and other members said are intended to support local governments, schools and transit systems statewide.

Sponsors and members said the budget accepts the governor’s $13.5 million proposal to help school districts implement a recently enacted student cell‑phone restriction, but acknowledged the amount will be allocated by the State Education Department and that local implementation costs vary. “I really have no idea what the cost would be,” Chair Pretlow said, noting costs “could be anywhere from 0 … to $30 per phone” and that districts may choose different approaches such as pouches or cubbies.

The bill fully funds universal free school meals for the coming year but includes contingency language allowing the budget director to make adjustments up to…