Good afternoon — It’s Friday, and May Day.
In today’s CapCon:
Gov. Kathy Hochul paid a late-Friday visit to the Legislative Correspondents Association. Here’s what she said.
A new Democrat-sponsored bill that would delay the electric school bus mandate is scheduled to move in the state Senate next week.
The newly amended “packaging extended producer responsibility” bill is also teed up to move in the state Senate next week.
A group of sex trafficking survivors allegedly victimized by Jeffrey Epstein will appear at the state Senate Codes Committee in support of a bill.
Legislation to help address the rise in demand for problem gambling treatment linked to online sports betting is gaining momentum at the state Capitol.
Digital communications, like text messages and emails, would be carved into the state’s harassment laws under a bill that’s now passed both chambers for the first time since 2018.
The state Senate has scheduled a hearing for next week on barriers to employment for people with disabilities.
What else is happening at the state Capitol next week.
Names in today’s CapCon: Kathy Hochul, Jeffrey Epstein, Chris Ryan, Peter Harckham, Ed Braunstein, Liz Krueger, Erik Dilan, Leroy Comrie, Carrie Woerner, Kristen Gonzalez, Jeremy Zellner, Zellnor Myrie, Sean Ryan
News on the state budget, including proposals, negotiations and results.
Hochul in the LCA on Friday (Dan Clark/Times Union)
🗣️ No budget deal yet … but next week should be ‘very significant,’ Hochul says
Gov. Kathy Hochul paid a visit to the Legislative Correspondents Association on Friday for her annual passing of the cookies.
She’s known to make an informal visit to the Third Floor in the spring with Girl Scout cookies in hand, and typically provides a brief update on where the state budget stands.
“Our teams are going to continue working day and night for the entire weekend,” Hochul said, but noted that a budget deal announcement should not be expected before lawmakers return next week and are briefed by legislative leaders.
That doesn’t mean a deal is imminent or on the table. It’s just another step in negotiations. But next week, she said, could be big.
“Next week should be a very significant week in the process,” Hochul said.
Hochul did offer a few small nuggets of news. Here they are in rapid fire.
Foundation Aid formula: Hochul said changes to the state’s Foundation Aid formula, which is how New York calculates its aid to local school districts, are on the table as part of state budget talks.
Start your 7-day trial to read the rest
Experience full access to Capitol Confidential New York—expert reporting, policy analysis, and clear insight into what’s moving and what comes next.
Start Free Trial