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Senator criticizes ninth budget extender as colleagues approve clean extender with table targets
Summary
Senators debated a "clean" budget extender that lawmakers said keeps state government funded while broader negotiations continue; critics on the floor called repeated extenders poor governance and pressed for details as leaders reported $380 million in table targets for conference negotiations.
Senator Mora criticized the Senate's continued use of short-term budget extenders and sharply pressed colleagues for specifics about outstanding policy negotiations and the overall fiscal picture. "We're a month late," Mora said during floor debate, describing the session as "not good government" and urging more transparency.
A senator responding on the floor described the measure before the chamber as a "clean extender" intended to ensure the continuing operation of state government — covering payroll, SUNY, pensions, WIC payments, the Department of Labor, transportation, veterans services and other ongoing obligations. That senator said negotiations on outstanding policy items were "continuing in earnest" but that a definitive timetable for completing all budget bills was not yet available.
During questioning, the floor responder said the leadership had set "table targets" totaling $380,000,000 to guide joint budget conference committee work. When asked for an overall total for the final budget, the responding senator declined to give a firm figure, saying it would be premature without completed budget bills.
Mora criticized the process of repeated extenders and the potential for last-minute message-of-necessity filings that would shorten the constitutionally prescribed review period for members and the public. "It's a terrible way to be running government," Mora said, arguing that New Yorkers were left without adequate opportunity to weigh in.
After debate closed, the clerk read the final section of the extender, a roll call was taken and the Senate voted to pass the measure. The record shows the extender advanced on a voice/roll call as recorded in the day's calendar activity.
Why it matters: The extender maintained funding for essential state functions while leaders continued negotiations on policy items tied to the budget. Floor friction over process and timing indicates unresolved political disagreements that will shape upcoming conference committee work and the timing of final votes.
What's next: Senate leaders said conference work will proceed according to the table targets reported; no firm completion date was provided on the floor. The Senate moved on to other business after the extender passed.
