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Sapolvita highlights record school aid, expanded child care and 10 new judgeships in state budget
Summary
Senator Louis Sapolvita said the late state budget included $340 million for universal free school meals, a record $26 billion in foundation aid, major child-care and housing investments, a payroll-mobility tax for MTA capital stabilization, and 10 new judgeships for New York City courts.
Senator Louis Sapolvita described multiple items in the recently passed state budget he called important for Bronx constituents, including education, child care, housing and court capacity.
“We have $340,000,000 to establish universal free meals for kids in New York State schools and the $26,000,000,000 in foundation aid, which is a record,” Sapolvita said. He also highlighted $440,000,000 for affordable housing and $2,200,000,000 in funding for affordable child care.
Sapolvita described a payroll mobility tax as a means to stabilize the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s capital plan, providing a consistent income stream for trains, subways and bus capital projects.
As chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sapolvita emphasized the budget also created 10 new judgeships in New York City to address heavy caseloads. “If you have to sit in a case that should have taken two years, but it's taken seven years because of the caseload, then you need judges,” he said, adding that the new judgeships aim to reduce delays and speed justice for residents.
On whether policy belongs in the budget, Sapolvita pointed to New York court precedent allowing policy provisions and said committee members work across parties to appoint qualified judges.
The interview did not provide bill numbers, legislative amendments or the effective dates for judgeship appointments; Sapolvita discussed goals and budget line items rather than implementation timelines.
