Assembly approves emergency spending extender through April 15

The New York State Assembly on April 10 passed Assembly No. 7765, an emergency appropriations extender that provides temporary funding for state operations and programs through April 15, 2025. The bill passed on a recorded vote of 141-0.

The extender, described on the floor as “this bill in front of us today,” increases emergency appropriations for state operations and programs and was presented as necessary to maintain payrolls and benefits while final budget negotiations continue. The clerk noted the governor’s message was at the desk, and the bill was certified for an immediate vote by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

The bill’s passage will bring the total appropriated under extenders to $6.1 billion, an increase of $2.4 billion over the previous emergency extension, according to comments on the floor. Sponsors and floor managers said the package covers nonpersonal service costs, adoption subsidies, public assistance benefit payments, veteran services, programs administered by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and general state charges.

Explaining the measure, Assemblymember Pretlow said, “This bill in front of us today will ensure funding for state operations and other programs through 04/15/2025.” He and other members on the floor identified institutional payrolls — including SUNY and certain state departments — and continued Medicaid- and provider-related payments among the costs the extender is intended to cover.

Another assemblymember on the floor pressed the urgency of completing the full budget process and warned of local impacts if the state remains without a finalized budget. “They need to set a budget that is going to go out to their constituency,” the member said, urging colleagues to avoid forcing local school districts and municipalities to make assumptions about funding. The member added that April 20 is an important date for school districts setting budgets and cautioned that continued delay could lead districts to cut programs or positions.

Members on the floor said that much of the holdup in finalizing a budget remains outstanding policy issues, which have delayed resolution of fiscal items. After debate and the reading that the act would “take effect immediately,” the clerk recorded the vote: ayes 141, noes 0.

The Assembly adjourned to reconvene on Tuesday, April 15; a majority conference was announced to follow adjournment in the Speaker’s Conference Room.

Votes at a glance

- Assembly No. 7765 (emergency appropriations extender through April 15, 2025): Passed, recorded vote Ayes 141, Noes 0.