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Assembly adopts one‑house budget resolution proposing roughly $262B, setting up final negotiations
Summary
The New York State Assembly voted to approve a one‑house budget resolution outlining an all‑funds spending plan of roughly $262 billion, endorsing tax changes, a one‑time energy rebate and a two‑year moratorium on utility rate increases; the measure passed 95–47 after floor debate about taxes, energy mandates and local funding shortfalls.
The New York State Assembly on the floor adopted its one‑house budget resolution, advancing a spending plan the Assembly calls a prioritized package of investments and revenue measures and setting the stage for final negotiations with the Senate and governor. The chamber voted to adopt the resolution, announced by the clerk as Ayes 95, Noes 47.
Chair of the Ways and Means Committee Gary Pretlow outlined the Assembly’s one‑house financial plan, describing headline totals and a mix of investments he said would “make our state a more affordable place for our families.” Pretlow said the Assembly’s all‑funds spending figure is in the low‑to‑mid $260‑billion range and noted the plan anticipates a recently approved federal waiver that adds roughly $6 billion to the financial plan. “The Assembly financial plan spending for fiscal year 26‑27 is $266,000,000,000,” Pretlow said on the floor, listing increases for education, health care, housing capital and targeted operating aid.
The resolution includes a package of revenue items the majority said are intended to cover program investments. Pretlow described proposed tax changes targeted at the very highest earners and some large‑income corporations and an excise tax aimed at high‑electricity crypto mining facilities. The one‑house plan also proposes a one‑time energy rebate program for residential ratepayers (a $500 rebate for households under a specified threshold and $300 for a higher band) and a two‑year moratorium on utility rate increases while a new commission studies causes and possible adjustments.
Floor critics challenged the overall approach. One lawmaker, speaking repeatedly through questioning and a longer floor speech, called the resolution “more taxes, more spending” and warned the plan would exacerbate out‑migration and debt levels. The lawmaker pointed to what he described as rising budget totals over five years and said the Assembly should prioritize cutting mandates and reining in spending rather than increasing reliance on a shrinking base of high‑income filers. That member said he would vote against the resolution.
Members pressed Pretlow on multiple specifics during extended questioning: the dollars tied to the federal waiver and how they alter all‑funds totals; projected out‑year budget gaps (Pretlow said the Assembly’s plan shows a cumulative gap in the low tens of billions over the multi‑year financial plan); reserve balances and whether they approach 15% of operating funds; and the use of federal MCO/MCO‑tax revenue, which Pretlow said is allocated across hospitals, nursing homes, quality pools and other health priorities.
Several subjects drew sustained debate: funding for universal pre‑K (the one‑house proposal includes increased per‑child support and allows local implementation language to be negotiated), an additional $100 million for zero‑emission school buses (members said that figure is far short of reported purchase and infrastructure costs), a roughly $1.0 billion add to a sustainable‑future/clean‑energy program, and local‑road (CHIPS) increases that some upstate members said remain insufficient. Members representing rural districts urged inclusion of tax‑cap relief or other mechanisms to sustain local EMS and rural ambulance services; Pretlow said negotiations remain ongoing.
On health coverage, members asked about the Assembly’s response to a federal waiver under a cited ‘‘13‑31’’ process that affects the Essential Plan; Pretlow said the Assembly had anticipated receiving waiver authority and that the trust fund balance should carry coverage through the current fiscal year, subject to utilization and longer‑term negotiation.
The clerk read the roll call and announced the result: the one‑house budget resolution was adopted. Floor leaders and members on both sides emphasized that the resolution is a negotiating document; Pretlow said the Assembly will continue negotiations with the Senate and the governor ahead of a final enacted budget.
What’s next: adoption of the one‑house resolution advances the Assembly’s priorities into inter‑house negotiations; members signaled priorities they want preserved or altered in talks over the coming days and weeks, including additional funds for education and local infrastructure, clarifications about program implementation and the final mix of revenue measures.
