New York state’s budget is now 22 days late, which impacts several aspects of state and local government, but many budgets in years past have been much later.
State lawmakers passed their sixth budget extension on Wednesday, April 22, bringing the total amount spent on the late budget to $12.7 billion. And while three weeks seems like a long time for the state to be behind on deciding where its money is going, others have extended well into the summer months.
Policy issues such as adjustments to the state’s climate law, auto insurance reforms and changes to the state’s environmental review process have been holding up this year’s budget. Also thrown somewhat haphazardly into the mix are Tier 6 pension reforms and a tax on New York City second homes.
Here’s what to know about late budgets in New York.
How late have New York’s budgets been passed in past years?
For starters, this time last year, budget negotiations were still ongoing and would be for another two weeks. The legislature passed 12 extenders in 2025 and eventually passed the budget May 8.
Crossing the finish line in May isn’t all that bad, comparatively. The state’s 1997 and 1999 budgets under then-Gov. George Pataki went into August. A couple years later, in 2001, Pataki’s budget was late again by 125 days and budget conversations between then-Gov. David Paterson and the Legislature in 2010 also exceeded the April 1 deadline by 125 days.
The year that takes the cake, though, is 2004. Pataki and the Legislature couldn’t come to an agreement for 133 days.
When will New York lawmakers meet again?
The extension passed Wednesday is up on Monday, April 27, so both houses will meet then, to most likely pass their seventh stopgap extender. The state legislature still has nine budget bills to pass.
Emily Barnes covers state government for the USA TODAY Network-New York with a focus on how policy and laws impact New Yorkers’ taxes, communities and jobs. Follow her on Instagram or X @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NY budget now 22 days late. When was NY’s latest budget?
Reporting by Emily Barnes, New York State Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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