Senate adopts sixth short-term budget extender, sponsor says it funds government through April 27

The New York State Senate approved a short-term budget extender on April 22 to fund state government operations through Monday, April 27. The extender, the chamber’s sixth so far this season, was described by the bill’s sponsor as a stopgap to maintain essential payments while negotiations on a full budget continue.

Senator Serrano, identified in the bill reading as the sponsor, told the chamber the extender totals $12,700,000,000 and includes approximately $69,000,000 in new spending. He said the measure covers general state charges and payments to the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Mobility Tax, health programs including WIC and EPIC, Department of Labor and Department of Veterans Services payments, and funding related to housing for homeless veterans and services for people with disabilities. "This extender allows for the continuation of our state government, short of a fully enacted budget," he said.

Senator Santo Amara questioned whether the chamber was any closer to a final budget than at prior meetings, noting the session was weeks past the constitutional target date. "Here we are, April 22, now more than three weeks late on this budget," Santo Amara said, urging urgency and clearer information on policy sticking points. Senator Serrano replied that negotiations were ongoing, emphasized the complexity of a state budget and said priorities must be reflected in the final product.

The chair restored the measure to the noncontroversial calendar by consent and the secretary announced the bill passed following a roll call. The extender was described on the floor as intended to protect payment flows for core programs while budget talks continue; sponsors and critics agreed negotiations should proceed to produce a comprehensive budget.

The Senate returned to other business after the vote. The Senate’s next floor day is scheduled for Monday, April 27, at 3 p.m.