Hochul 'not in any rush' to reach state budget deal

Heastie says talks on a 'bell-to-bell' cellphone ban in schools are basically done.

Good afternoon — it’s Thursday and National Burrito Day.

In today’s CapCon:

• Gov. Kathy Hochul said she’s in no rush to reach a state budget deal as talks over her policy priorities continue to stall.

• Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie said the issue of restricting cellphones in schools has essentially been locked down.

• But there’s still a logjam that’s stalling budget talks, Heastie said. If it breaks, we could see a budget next week.

• Here are the top 10 lobbying firms and the top 10 spenders on lobbying.

• Rules and Regs: Allowing cannabis companies to be closer and identifying health trends through demographic data.

Names in today’s CapCon: Kathy Hochul, Carl E. Heastie, Liz Krueger, Adrienne Harris, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Crystal Peoples-Stokes

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The state budget was due April 1. We’re keeping you updated on negotiations around the spending plan.

(Will Waldron/Times Union)

💰 ‘Summers are nice here too’: Hochul says she’s not in a rush to reach a budget deal

The Legislature approved a second budget extender Thursday that will keep workers paid and the state funded through Monday.