Senate Majority Advances One-House Budget Resolution

(Albany, N.Y.) Today, the New York State Senate Democratic Majority unveiled its One-House Budget Resolution, a bold and responsible financial plan that invests in the needs of everyday New Yorkers while standing firm against harmful federal cuts. With a focus on affordability, economic opportunity, and fairness, the Senate’s budget prioritizes housing, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic development, laying the groundwork for a stronger, more equitable future for all New Yorkers.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “As Washington continues to cut essential programs New Yorkers rely on, our one-house budget aims to strengthen funding to support the well-being of New York’s working families and invest in local economies across our state. We are advancing a fiscally responsible budget that seeks to protect access to affordable healthcare coverage, get us closer to universal childcare, support small businesses, continue our climate goals, and strengthen overall investments to ensure the continued vibrancy and resiliency of our state’s diverse communities. While our state faces cuts from the federal government, our one-house budget advances responsible revenue raisers to provide municipalities with the funds they need to provide vital services and allocate resources towards the kitchen-table issues that impact the daily lives of New Yorkers. The Senate Democratic Majority remains firmly united in ensuring our state remains an affordable and equitable place to live for all New Yorkers.”

Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris said, “The Senate budget proposal would accomplish what is needed to carry New Yorkers through the current affordability crisis. By ensuring the wealthy pay their fair share so we can provide services like childcare and fare free buses, we are laying the blueprint to help New Yorkers remain and thrive in our state.”

Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger said, “I am proud to be part of a Senate Majority that is putting forward a strong One-House Budget proposal designed to protect New Yorkers from the damage being inflicted by the federal administration and to address the ongoing challenges our constituents face every day. This proposal expands aid to localities, including assistance to our most in-need cities, as well as allowing New York City to adjust its own taxes to address its budget priorities. It invests in healthcare and benefit programs to counter the Trump Administration’s cruel and short-sighted attacks on the neediest Americans. And it continues our commitment to expanding early childhood care to ensure that parents can go to work knowing their children are in safe, caring, and nourishing environments. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues over the next month to ensure that the final budget reflects these priorities that put the needs of New Yorkers first.”

Highlights of the Senate’s One-House Budget Resolution:

Revenue Raisers: Ensuring the Wealthiest Pay Their Fair Share
The Senate Democratic Majority advances responsible revenue measures that ensure the wealthiest individuals, large corporations, and luxury industries contribute their fair share. This budget generates sustainable state revenue to support municipal budgets, including critical support for New York City.

Statewide:

.5% Personal Income Tax Surcharge on the top two income brackets: $1.1 Billion (S.4437A).
Statewide Corporate Tax: Increase the top corporate tax rate from 7.25% to 9% for those with business income over $5 million.
Adjust the NYS PTET Credit to 90%: $1.8 billion.
End Tax Breaks for Climate Polluters: $109 million first year, $652 million annually thereafter.
End Sales Tax Exemption on Gold Bullion over $1,000, totaling $456 million for the first year and $608 million annually thereafter.
Decouple from the H.R. 1 Expansion of the Qualified Small Business Stock Deduction: $101 million (also saves NYC and Yonkers a combined $16 million).
Decouple from Opportunity Zones Tax Program: $249m in savings starting in SFY 29-30.
Yacht Tax- The Senate advances language ending the sales tax exemption of boats valued above $230,000 (S.3874).

New York City - Provide over $5 billion in revenue and funding

Authorize an increase to NYC corporate tax for financial sector firms from 9% to 10.8% and for non-finance sectors from 8.85% to 10.62%: $1.5 billion.
Authorize an increase to NYC Unincorporated Business Tax (UBY) rate from 4% to 4.4% for those with business income over $5 million: $250 million
Reduce the NYC PTET Credit to 75%: $700 million
City Mansion Tax and supplemental tax on the transfer for residential property with a value of over $5m: $321 million
End Sales Tax Exemption on Gold Bullion over $1,000: $300 million
$500 million for shelter reimbursements.
$193 million for TANF reimbursements.
$263 million for additional state aid for foster care.
$431 million School Aid.
$604 million to provide AIM funding for two years.

Expanding Affordability for Working Families & Lowering Costs for New Yorkers
The Senate Democratic Majority is continuing an affordability agenda that lowers everyday costs for working families while strengthening programs that support children, seniors, and vulnerable New Yorkers. This proposal expands access to childcare, invests in energy affordability and consumer protections, and safeguards critical benefits that help families make ends meet during a time of economic uncertainty and federal threats to essential programs.

Child Care: Supporting Families & Expanding Access
The Senate continues to build on its commitment to making childcare more affordable and accessible for families while supporting the workforce that makes these services possible.

Childcare

Senate supports pathway to provide universal childcare to all families in New York State.
$34 million in additional support for childcare pilot programs for children aged 0-3 in cities with a population of less than 1 million, for a total of $100 million.
Accepts executive’s Child Care Assistance Program to provide $2.2 billion in childcare subsidies to families below 85% of the state median income.
$500 million total to support the childcare workforce through the Child Care Worker Retention Grant Program.
NYC 2-Care Seats: $73 million total to begin implementation of contract-based childcare program for two-year-olds in New York City.
First time money for 3-K NYC.
$16 million in new quarterly Diaper Allowances, in addition to a $1 million increase for National Diaper Banks, for a total of $18.5 million to support diaper access for families.
$10 million for Facilitated Enrollment Pilot Programs.

Lowering Utility Costs & Strengthening Energy Affordability
The Senate Majority is advancing policies that lower energy costs for New Yorkers while maintaining the state’s commitment to clean energy and climate leadership.

$200 million for the Energy Affordability Program
Heat Pump Rebate Program - provides a rebate of up to $2,000 or 30% of the overall cost of the heat pump.
Adds $2.75 million for Public Utility Law Projects (PULP), for a total of $3.25 million.
Continue to allocate 10% of HEAP funding to the federal Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).
Previously Owned Zero Emission Vehicles Rebate Program (S.2032A) - provides a rebate of up to $2,000 for eligible pre-owned zero emission vehicles.
$1 million for Intervenor Reimbursement Fund - Creates a fund to support parties representing consumer and small business interests in rate cases (S.2477)
The Senate advances Article VII modifications of the Public Service Law as follows:

Requires utilities to return revenues in excess of their authorized Rates of Return on Equity to consumers (S.7693).
Adds additional inappropriate utility expenses to have the PSC review (S.3734B, S.1012A).
Modifies rate case timelines for litigated cases (S.5593).
Adds additional reporting and transparency requirements to the Executive's proposal on energy affordability monitors.

Protecting Benefits from Federal Threats
This year’s budget includes protections to vital services and benefits that are under threat from the federal government.

Senate advances language to establish a state-run Compensation Program and a dedicated fund to reimburse individuals receiving SNAP benefits or cash assistance who have had their benefits stolen or fraudulently obtained (S.403).
Senate adds $3 million total for stolen SNAP and cash assistance benefit reimbursement
Senate adds $15 million for Special Nutrition Women, Infants and Children (WIC) providing $41.3 million total.
The Senate advances language to prohibit drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, and other third parties from placing unilateral limitations on providers in the 340B Drug Pricing Program and looks to lower the cost of prescription drugs (S.1618).
The Senate adds $50 million to expand access to civil legal services, increasing capacity for legal service providers and community-based organizations across the State to assist New Yorkers with enrollment in public benefits.

Consumer Protections and Insurance Transparency

This year’s budget includes protections for New York consumers while increasing transparency and accountability in the insurance industry. Together, they help protect personal data, provide clearer explanations for insurance costs, and encourage safety protocols to lower premiums for New Yorkers.

Requires data brokers to register with the Department of Financial Services and creates a centralized process for consumers to request deletion of their personal data.
Enforces prior approval for certain insurance rate filings and written explanations for premium increases.
Enacts insurance premium reductions to improve risk mitigation.
Improves consumer data privacy protections by providing discounts for non-commercial passenger vehicles equipped with an operating dashboard camera.

Investing in Education and Youth Opportunity

New York’s children deserve a world-class education and the support they need to thrive both inside and beyond the classroom. Building on the success of last year’s Universal School Meals program, the Senate joins the Executive in continuing this initiative, while calling for the expansion of the Farm-to-School program to include breakfast and snack purchases. The Senate also strengthens Foundation Aid to better support high-need students and invests in youth development and afterschool programs that help students succeed beyond the school day.

Accepts executive proposal to increase funding for the universal school meals program with $395 million total, an increase of $55 million.
Restores $1.5 million for a total of $22.7 million in direct funding for 4201 Schools for the Blind and Deaf. Increases tuition rates for Special Act, 853 schools, 4410 schools with inflation.
Adds $2.1 million for the Foster Youth Initiative, for a total of $10 million.
Adds $181.9 million to increase Transportation Aid reimbursement for high-needs schools
$2.5 million total for a K-12 laundry pilot program.
Accepts proposal for statewide universal pre-k and proposes allowing districts to receive transportation aid for UPK.
Increases library aid funding per pupil and adds $10 million for library operating aid for a total of $114.7 million, $20 million for library construction aid for a total of $54 million, and adds $1 million total for a pilot program to expand social work services in libraries.
Adds $10 million total to expand civic education.
$10 million total for new P-TECH grants.
Adds $105M for Community Schools.
Restores Teacher Career Centers.
High Impact Tutoring Pilot Program to provide grants to public and charter schools to implement this program prioritizing low-income, underserved and rural students.
$10 million total for the Youth Sports Grant Program.
$30 million in additional support for the Learning and Enrichment Afterschool Program Supports (LEAPS), for a total of $146.1 million.

The Senate adds language to ensure that this additional support funds programs in districts that do not currently have a LEAPS program.

$1 million total for the Sunrise Day Camp, an increase of $450,000.
$20 million total for year-round Youth Employment (S.184).
Accepts the Executive’s “Back to Basics” Math Curriculum (ELFA Part B).

Key Differences:

Adds $285.3 million in additional Foundation Aid for a total of $27.4 billion.
Expands Farm-to-School program to include breakfast and snack purchases.
Increases the Foundation Aid pupil needs index weighting for English Language Learners to .60.
Amends the Foundation Aid Formula to add a weight of .12 in the pupil needs index for students experiencing homelessness or in foster care.
Expands Building Aid reimbursement for the Big 5 and other high needs school districts.
Expands Transportation Aid reimbursement for high needs school districts.
Allows school districts to receive Transportation Aid for UPK school bus transportation costs.
“Safe by Design Act” intended to protect minors on digital platforms, by closing a loophole exempting certain gaming platforms and requiring platforms to disable friend suggestions for minors.

Expanding Higher Education Opportunities

The Senate Majority is committed to expanding access to higher education and strengthening workforce pipelines across New York. This budget increases financial aid for students, supports workforce training programs, and invests in SUNY, CUNY, and community colleges to ensure students from every background can pursue affordable higher education.

Expansion of nursing programs Opportunity Promise Scholarship.
Bilingual educator pipeline.
$500,000 total for the Asian American/Asian Research Institute.
SUNY Capital Plans

Adds $1.8 billion to advance the first year of a five-year capital plan for SUNY, for a total of $3 billion SUNY capital funding.
Adds $4 million for NY Opportunity Promise Scholarship, for a total of $39 million for SUNY campuses.
Adds $7.2 million in general operating assistance for community colleges, for a total of $465M.
Restores $1.7 million for County Cooperative Extension Association Grant Program, for a total of $6.12 million.
Restores $300,000 total for Housing and Food Insecurity Support at Dutchess Community College.

CUNY Capital Plans

Adds $1.8 billion to advance the first year of a five-year capital plan for CUNY, for a total of $2.2 billion CUNY capital funding.
Adds $4 million for NY Opportunity Promise Scholarship, for a total of $26 million for CUNY campuses.
Adds $4.8 million for community college operating assistance, for a total of $254.3 million.
Restores $108,000 for the Arthur O. Eve opportunity program, for a total of $1.9 million.

Community College Funding.
LIFT Act - The Senate advances language to enact the Licensure Incentives and Fee-Support for Testing (LIFT) Act, which establishes a social work licensure exam voucher program to provide low-income individuals with vouchers to cover the cost of the examination required for licensure as an LMSW or LCSW (S.9125).
Adds $19 million for additional TAP awards.
Committed to supporting professions and institutes impacted by HR1.

Key Differences:

Adds $4 million each to CUNY and SUNY to expand the New York Opportunity Promise Scholarship Program to all CUNY/SUNY campuses, for a total of $26 million for CUNY and $39 million for SUNY.
Removes the distinction between dependent and independent students for the purpose of Tuition Assistance Program coverage (S.1498).
Allows students with intellectual disabilities to receive awards from the Tuition Assistance Program for post-secondary education experience or transition programs (S.3369).
Emergency Aid grants to students experiencing unexpected hardship (S.9044).
Phase out graduate student fees (S.9034A).

Strengthening Healthcare Access and Mental Health Services

The Senate Majority is committed to strengthening New York’s health care system and ensuring New Yorkers can access affordable, high-quality care. This budget protects coverage for New Yorkers in the face of federal threats, invests in hospital and community health providers, and expands mental health and behavioral health services across the state.

Protecting Reproductive Freedom & Maternal Health
The Senate Majority continues to advance policies that safeguard reproductive freedom and improve maternal health outcomes, particularly for communities facing the greatest disparities.

Emergency contraceptive vending machines at each SUNY and CUNY campus (S.2058).
$6 million for Abortion Clinical Training Program (S.1438-A).
Adds $5 million for the Abortion Medication, providing $25 million total.
Adds $10 million for the Reproductive Freedom and Equity Grant Program for $35 million total.
$500,000 for the CUNY sponsored midwifery program.
Maternal Health Monitoring Pilot (S.9084)
$1.5 million for Westchester Maternal Health Program

Medicaid:

Protecting Health Coverage: Directs the Department of Health to maximize state and federal resources to maintain affordable health coverage and minimize potential coverage losses resulting from federal policy changes.
Health Care Strategy Commission: Directs the Department of Health to establish a commission of public officials, practitioners, and stakeholders to develop a long-term plan addressing healthcare access, affordability, financing, and system efficiency.
Directs the Department of Health to make at least $30 million in financial resources available in grants to local governments to assist with public benefit program enrollment.
Additional $50 million to expand access to civil legal services, increasing capacity for legal service providers and community-based organizations across the State to assist New Yorkers with enrollment in public benefits.
Additional $500 million for financially distressed hospitals.
The Senate adds $405 million for a total of $560 million for hospital investments in rate increases and quality incentive programs and adds $50 million for a total of $80 million for FQHCs and Non-FQHC Clinics.
The Senate adds $270 million for Nursing Homes/Hospice/Assisted Living, for a total of $470 million.
The Senate adds $300 million capital for Healthcare Facility Capital Projects Grants.
Accepts to extend existing Medicaid outpatient behavioral health ambulatory patients' group (APG) rates to 2031.

Additional Health Care Investments:

Accepts the Executive proposal to strengthen insurance transparency, extend continuity of care to 90 days, including through pregnancy and postpartum, require the publication of prescription drug formularies, and limit utilization reviews for chronic conditions.
Caps cost sharing for substance use disorder at $500 for up to 60 visits on commercial health insurance (S.1763A).
The Senate advances language to codify New York State's existing 2-1-1 hotline as a statewide, state-overseen essential services hotline (S.6913).
Expands “Daniel’s Law” community crisis prevention pilot programs.
Increases rural healthcare access.
$50 million to expand access for legal services to assist New Yorkers public benefits.
Accepts Executive Proposal to require insurance coverage for gambling addiction treatment.
$50 million for continued biomarker testing.
$11.1 million for jail-based medication assisted treatment (MAT) programs for a total of $20 million.

Key Differences

Rejects rate cuts to the Medical Indemnity Fund (MIF).
Rejects cuts to Enhanced Quality of Adult Living Program, Enriched Housing Operating Assistance Program, Tick-Borne Disease/Lyme.
$4 million for gender-affirming care fund (S.7924).
Modifies $750 million in State-Share Healthcare Stability Fund:

The Senate adds $405 million for Hospital investments to support rate increases and quality incentive programs, providing $560 million in total HSF Funding.
The Senate adds $270 million for Nursing Homes, Hospice and Assisted Living Programs (ALPs), providing $470 million total HSF Funding, to support, 15 percent Capital Rate, Upstate CINERGY demonstration, and enhanced funding for Not-For-Profit (NFP) Nursing Homes.
The Senate adds $50 million for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Non-FQHC Clinics, providing $80 million total HSF Funding.
The Senate adds $25 million total HSF Funding for Certified Home Health Agencies (CHHAs).

Strengthening Worker Protections

The Senate Majority continues to stand with our brothers and sisters in labor, strengthening worker protections and cracking down on wage theft.

TII 4% increase with 1.3% dedicated to workers’ wages.
$7.5 million for Workforce Recruitment and Retention initiative.
Establishes the Worker Protection and Labor Enforcement Fund (S.2455).
Requires public employers to develop plans to prevent abuse/bullying in the workplace (S.4925).
$25 million total for the Jobs and Housing pilot program.
$57 million for S.2234 (workers comp board hearing).
$5 million for Temporary Disability Insurance (S.172).

Key Difference:

The Senate supports continuing to reform Tier 6 to provide improved benefits to Tier 6 members and address recruitment and retention challenges in public service.
The Senate advances the Didarul Islam Police Recruitment Act to allow certain members of the New York City police pension fund to buy back pension credit from service as former school safety agents, New York City corrections officers, New York City traffic enforcement agents, or New York City police department cadets (S.9274).
Senate advances language to establish a 20-year service retirement plan for Tier 3 New York City correction officers and certain sanitation workers (S.9130).
Directs $5.1 million in grants to the Department of Labor to conduct wage theft investigations in-house.

Supporting Small Businesses and Helping Local Communities Thrive

Small businesses and vibrant main streets are the backbone of New York’s economy. The Senate Majority’s budget makes critical investments to support small businesses, expand access to capital, and revitalize downtowns, ensuring economic growth reaches every corner of the state.

Establish a New York Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) redesign task force, similar to S.3269. The task force would also make recommendations on the expansion of AIM funding to the City of New York.
$40 million total for the New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming initiative (NYSWIMS).
Restores $25 million for the New York Building Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids, and Seniors (NYBRICKS), for a total of $100 million.
$10 million total for Zoos, Botanical Gardens, and Aquaria.
Senate advances language to require the Worker’s Compensation Board to hold an initial hearing within 60 days of receiving a claim and medical report from an injured worker or their employer (S.2234).
Arts Funding: Restores and Increases

$39.4M for NYSCA Operating.
$10M total for NYSCA Stabilization Grants.
$5M total for Arts Westchester.

$1 million for the Tourism Matching Grants Program, providing $3.45 million total.
Adds $3 million for the Centers of Excellence (COE) program, providing $15 million total.
$20 million total for Senate Parks Capital Priority Funding Lump.
$15 million total for economic development legislative grants, including $3 million for chambers of commerce.
Accepts the Commercial Security Tax Credit reauthorization to help businesses purchase cameras and security software to prevent retail theft.

Key Differences:

Adds $10 million for new Food Retail Establishment Subsidization for Healthy “Fresh” Communities Act to provide grants and loans to support grocery stores and other food retail businesses that sell healthy and locally sourced food in underserved areas (S.6017).
Adds $1 million MWBE funding, going beyond the Executive’s plan to expand access to contracts and financing, for a total of $1.6 million
Adds $5 million total for Alive! Downtowns.
Modernizes the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law and SLA Licenses:
Ensuring the SLA can protect children from branding that appeals to those under 21 without harming small producers
Ending the price posting mandate to help make costs fairer for retailers. (S.9162-B)
Including language to prevent large internet retailers from becoming fulfillment centers
Requiring servers at special events serving alcohol on campuses with the new higher education licenses to be trained to prevent serving underage individuals
Making it easier for certain hotels to sell beverages and bottles to their guests.

Climate Resilience and Clean Water Infrastructure

The Senate Majority continues to lead on climate action by standing up for and advancing the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), while also investing in clean energy, protecting water quality by removing ‘forever chemicals’ from our water, and strengthening environmental safeguards across the state.

Restores $1 billion for the Sustainable Future Program.
Increases the Environmental Protection Fund by $75 million for a total of $500 million.
Increases Clean Water funding by $138.3 million for a total of $888.3 million to include:

Adds $100 million for Lead pipe remediation.
Adds $20 million for Emerging Contaminants Remediation (S.672B).
Adds $17.3 million for Private Well Testing (S.3972).
Adds $1 million for Drinking Water Grants.
Directs $20 million of the Executive’s $200 million water infrastructure for housing proposal for Septic System Replacement in Upstate counties.

The Senate advances language authorizing the Department of Environmental Conservation to establish a grant program for private well users for installation of PFAS remediation systems as well as rebates for system maintenance.
The Senate advances legislation to establish a five-year moratorium on spreading wastewater biosolids containing PFAS on land; fund the testing of soils, water, and biosolids for PFAS; and provide financial assistance to farmers whose farms have been contaminated with PFAS from biosolids, similar to S.9115-A.
Advances grants and loans to non-public water systems for the removal of PFAS.

Key Differences

Senate modifies executive proposal to reform SEQRA by limiting the proposal’s exemptions to only infill multifamily housing projects, particularly in urban areas, conditioned upon the project fulfilling minimum environmental and infrastructure standards and scaling the size of developments exempted to community context.
Advances a range of policy actions including the Accelerate Solar for Affordable Power (ASAP) Act, and continues to support the implementation of cap and invest to facilitate CLCPA compliance and meet our energy goals.
Double the credit for installing solar energy systems from $5,000 to $10,000 and making the credit refundable for low-income taxpayers (S.2626).

Strengthening Local Infrastructure & Expanding Transit Access, Safety, and Affordability

The Senate Majority is investing in transportation infrastructure while improving safety and affordability for New Yorkers who rely on public transit and roadways every day.

Continued support of NYC Fare-free Bus Pilot program.
Expands the second-degree assault to cover additional transportation and highway-related workers, creating new offenses for Menacing a Highway Worker and Intrusion into an Active Work Zone, and authorizing mandatory driver license suspensions upon conviction for certain related offenses.
Works to make tolls fairer and more transparent with greater protections for motorists.
Increases CHIPS funding by $250 million for a total of $898 million.
$75.8 million increase for a total of $1.09 billion in STOA funding for non-MTA public transit, a 15% increase.
Increased funding for bedrock roads funding programs like BRIDGE NY and Extreme Winter Recovery.
Dedicated increases in roads funding for Regions 4, 8, and 10.
$10 million total for the Transit Equity Fund Pilot Program.
$25 million total for the purpose of implementing a weekly and monthly City-Ticket with discounted transfers between commuter rail and subways and buses.
Allocates funding for West of Hudson rail feasibility study.

Key Differences

The Senate advances language increasing fines for work zone speeding violations (S.4647A).
Modifies Executive proposal for NYC pilot program on speed camera violations “super speeder bill” speed restrictor program.

Supporting New York’s Veterans and First Responders

New York continues to invest in the well-being, professional development, and recognition of our veterans and first responders. These measures provide additional benefits, training, and resources, ensuring that those who serve our communities and country are supported every step of the way.

Increases the volunteer firefighters’ and ambulance workers’ tax credit from $200 to $600 and allows eligible individuals to claim both the credit and a property tax exemption.
Advances a statewide program to provide one free SUNY, CUNY, and community college course per semester to active volunteer first responders.
Permanently authorizes tuition benefits for members of the New York Army and Air National Guard and the Naval Militia through the Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program (RIRP).
Advances language directing the MTA to establish a 10% discount transit program for veterans upon receipt of State funding.
Restores $500,000 total funding for the New York State Defenders Association Veterans Defense Program.
$275,000 for New York Helmets to Hardhats.
Directs the Division of Veterans’ Services to create a searchable database of veteran-owned businesses (S.4597).
Senate adds $350,000 total funding for the Veterans Mental Health Training Initiative (VMHTI).
Establishes an optional 25-year retirement plan for public safety dispatchers and emergency communications staff employed by state, county, and municipal emergency service departments.
Advances $500,000 to establish a peer to peer program for first responders, providing $3.5 million total.
Expands the use of body scanners in OCFS facilities.
$750,000 total for the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association (NYSPFFA).
Accepts the Executive Budget proposal to provide Critical Incident Leave for members of the State Police who respond to traumatic events.

Prioritizing Agriculture and New York’s Farming Communities

New York’s farmers play an indispensable role in feeding our communities and sustaining our state’s economy. These investments support farmers at every stage — from new and historically underserved producers to established farms — providing funding for a wide range of start-up and operational costs while offering support for marketing, training, and more.

Additional $22 million for Emergency Food Assistance Programs, including Nourish NY and the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP), bringing total funding to $150 million.
$3 million for Double Up Food Bucks
FRESH Communities Act to promote public health by providing financial assistance to attract, retain, and expand food retail establishments that sell fresh food in underserved communities and participate in New York State Grown and Certified (S.6017).
Restores $50,000 for the New York Young Farmers Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program, for a total of $200,000.
$100,000 for Black Farmers United.
$100,000 for the Cannabis Farmers Alliance.
$5 million for Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
$20 million for the Farm Weather Resiliency Grants Program (S.8707A).
$1.3 million for the Beginning Farmers Grant Program.
$1.3 million for the Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmer Grant Program.
Standardizes the definition of “farmer” for certain tax credits, making it easier for emerging and beginning farmers who may not yet meet traditional income thresholds to access existing state tax benefits.

Key Differences:

Extends the Farm Workforce Retention Credit permanently.
The Senate advances language to increase the Farmworker Housing borrowing cap from $200,000 to $400,000.
Doubles the existing farm donations to food pantries credit (S.9193).

Investing in Safer Communities

Keeping New Yorkers safe requires meaningful investments in violence prevention, emergency response services, and resources for victims of crime. This budget will help address the root causes of violence, support the work of our volunteer first responders, and improve investigative procedures to ensure justice for survivors.

$1.5 million for the New York State SNUG Outreach Program (SNUG), providing $22.5 million total.
$35 million for the VFIRE Volunteer Firefighter Grant.
Expands the definition of criminal interference with healthcare or religious services to protect access and safeguard individuals from intimidation or harassment.
$10 million for the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).
Accepts the Executive proposal to reform protocols for the collection and management of sexual offense evidence kits to ensure they are properly preserved and available for investigation.
Additional $1 million to expand Crime Laboratories.
Shifts $500,000 for additional oversight and assistance on gun reform oversight.
Buffer Zone - Modifies the Executive proposal with legislation that establishes a new misdemeanor offense for unlawfully obstructing access to a place of worship. This new legislation strengthens existing laws that protect religious institutions. It also affirms the Senate’s commitment to upholding the First Amendment rights to free speech and free exercise of religion.

Strengthening Human Rights Through Prevention, Support, and Justice

Protecting the safety of New Yorkers goes hand in hand with investing in programs that strengthen communities, support vulnerable populations, and create pathways away from involvement with the justice system. This budget includes expanding services for at-risk youth, supporting community-based violence prevention efforts, strengthening legal and reentry services, and ensuring vulnerable individuals have access to the resources and protections they need.

Rights for pregnant incarcerated individuals.
$5 million total for community violence intervention program.
Legal Services Assistance Fund.
Alternative to incarceration and re-entry.
$25 million for the Parental Representation Statewide Expansion, providing $50 million total.
Moves to reform sexual offense evidence kit procedures and retention periods.

Key Differences:

Adds $110.8 million for Office of New Americans for legal services for a total of $175 million, with additional funds dedicated to new emergency legal defense services as well as infrastructure and capacity building to meet the demand of the moment.
The Senate carves out $50 million from the $250 million appropriation for Raise the Age and uses those funds to establish the Youth Justice Innovation Fund.

Expanding Access to Affordable Housing

The Senate Majority’s budget continues decisive action to combat New York’s housing crisis by expanding access to affordable housing, preventing homelessness, and protecting tenants. By investing in rental assistance, public housing, homeownership opportunities, and the rehabilitation of vacant units, this budget ensures that more New Yorkers have safe, stable, and affordable places to live.

Increase of $200 million for housing access voucher program, for a total of $250 million.
$8 million for fair housing testing.
$120,000 for Just Fix.
$5 million for Senior homeowner foreclosure arrears assistance fund.
$100 million total for Mitchell-Lama Preservation.
$30 million for Statewide supportive housing for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Increase $500 million total capital funding for NYCHA.
$25 million for a Jobs and Housing pilot program.
Accepts Executive Proposal to Increase the Number of Land Banks.
Establishes the New York First Home Savings Program (S.1157).
$20 million for the Shelter Arrears Eviction Forestallment (SAEF) program.
Legal Service Representation for eviction (NYC and ROS).

Key Differences:

Modifies Executive proposal to extend and reform existing J-51 to increase the number of eligible buildings (S.8170A).
Modifies Executive Budget Proposal to raise the increase threshold for SCRIE and DRIE.
Farmworker housing borrowing cap from 200K to 400K.
The Senate modifies the Executive proposal to require auto, homeowners’, and residential property insurers to provide written explanations for premium increases over 10% by requiring explanations for every increase (S.9281).

Strengthening Democracy and Civic Participation

New York is making targeted investments to protect the integrity of our elections, strengthen democratic institutions, and ensure every New Yorker is counted and represented.

$5 million restored for the 250th American Revolution Commemoration Commission.
$10 million allocated to the New York State Board of Elections.
$175,000 for the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC).
$1 million for the Election Security Navigator Program.
Accepts $2.5 million for Dr. John L. Flateau New York Voting and Elections Database and restores $250,000 total for related research and analysis at Medgar Evers College.
$30 million total for the New York State Office of the Census.

Child Care: Supporting Families & Expanding AccessThe Senate continues to build on its commitment to making childcare more affordable and accessible for families while supporting the workforce that makes these services possible.

Child Care: Supporting Families & Expanding Access
The Senate continues to build on its commitment to making childcare more affordable and accessible for families while supporting the workforce that makes these services possible.