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Assembly approves 13th short-term budget extender to maintain state payroll and services
Summary
The Assembly approved a 13th short-term budget extender to keep state operations funded through May 20, prompting floor criticism of the repeated extensions even as members said they would vote to avert payroll disruptions.
The New York State Assembly on May 18 passed a short-term budget extender — the 13th this session — to maintain funding for state operations through May 20.
Committee on Rules sponsor Mr. Pretlow described the measure as a stopgap "to ensure funding for state operations and other programs through May 20," saying it includes "additional funding for administrative payroll, Medicaid payments, school aid payments, unemployment insurance, OPWDD services, veterans programs, and general state charges." The clerk read the bill on the floor and the measure was advanced and voted on during the session.
Several members pressed the sponsor for details. Mr. Palmasano asked about the total size of the extenders and whether more budget bills would appear this week; the sponsor said the combined extenders total about $31.7 billion with about an $8.04 billion increase above the prior extender, and that members might see one to a few budget bills before the week ended but not the full package.
Palmasano used his explanation to criticize the process. He called the day "a very sad day for New York," saying that school districts, nonprofits, local governments and families are waiting for final budget numbers as school budget votes and municipal planning proceed. "This is our 13th budget extender," he said, arguing the repeated stopgaps have left districts and providers without clarity even as the Assembly repeatedly authorized large sums. Despite his critique, Palmasano said he would vote for the extender to avoid interrupting payroll and essential services.
The clerk recorded the roll call on the calendar item and announced the result; the bill advanced and was passed on the main calendar. The action keeps state payroll and payments moving while budget negotiations continue.
Why it matters: The extender preserves cash flow for state payroll and entitlement programs but leaves open questions about the timetable and final composition of the fiscal plan. Members repeatedly urged clearer timelines for budget bills and raised concerns about new proposals — including a reported New York City assistance package — that emerged after earlier announcements.
What happens next: The extender covers operations through May 20; members said they expect additional budget bills to be introduced in the coming days. The Assembly will continue negotiations with the Senate and the governor on the remaining budget bills.
