Assembly advances ninth budget extender and approves $48.9 million MTA transfer

The New York State Assembly on the floor advanced a short-term budget extender and passed an Article VII transfer package that includes a $48,900,000 transfer to support Metropolitan Transportation Authority operations.

Clerk read Assembly No. 11,250 (Rules Report 106), which Mister Pretlow described as "another extender" to fund state operations and programs through May 6. Pretlow told colleagues the total appropriations provided by the nine extenders to date amount to $19,800,000,000 and said this extender increases prior extenders by $3,100,000,000. "This bill includes additional funding for administrative payroll, Medicaid, WIC, unemployment insurance, transportation assistance, OPWDD services, veterans programs, and other state general charges," he said.

Representative Palmisano questioned the chair about the state of budget negotiations and specifics of the extender. Pretlow said negotiators had agreed on $380,000,000 in "table targets," which he read as a sector-by-sector allocation in millions: economic development $25,000,000; education $85,000,000; environment, agriculture and housing $25,000,000; local government $10,000,000; health $45,000,000; higher education $25,000,000; human services and labor $120,000,000; mental hygiene $10,000,000; public protection $30,000,000; and transportation $5,000,000.

On the companion Article VII measure, Clerk read Assembly No. 11,251 (Rules Report 107). Pretlow explained the bill "permits the state controller to loan funds to certain transit accounts" and provides a general fund transfer of $48,900,000 for the MTA financial assistance plan. When asked which transit systems would be supported, Pretlow replied, "All of them." Palmisano and others emphasized that this transfer authority is customarily part of broader budget sweeps and transfers; Pretlow said the chamber was effectively advancing that piece separately.

Both measures were advanced and passed by recorded voice or roll-call tallies on the floor. The extender was approved with 126 ayes and 0 nays; the Article VII transfer measure passed with the same tally. The extender’s text states the act "shall take effect immediately." The Article VII bill’s measures include a section permitting transfers and the specified MTA assistance transfer.

Lawmakers acknowledged the measures remain interim steps while a full budget agreement is finalized. Pretlow said negotiators may reach a general agreement later in the week but cautioned that printing the budget bills ahead of floor votes and the three-day message period could delay formal votes. He estimated that if nine bills receive full debating time, floor consideration could require many hours of debate.

The Assembly moved the measures forward to preserve state operations and provide short-term cash-flow authority; lawmakers said a comprehensive budget remains under negotiation.