PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – After nearly two months of delays, the New York lawmakers have approved a $268 billion budget, including key North Country provisions like cleaner water for Tupper Lake, delays to electric school bus mandates, and pension benefits for corrections workers.
State Sen. Dan Stec, R-Queensbury, said while he likes some aspects of the budget, he believes spending continues to spiral. He also said it doesn’t do enough for New Yorkers’ high energy costs.
“If spending more money made us more affordable, we would be a utopia for affordability,” Stec said.
The budget includes $1 billion for energy rebate checks. Joint filers earning below $150,000 a year will qualify for a $200 payment, while those above the income threshold will get $150.
“People are seeing their monthly electric bills double. What’s a $150 or $200 one time, it’s a gimmick,” Stec said.
The budget also dials back incoming mandates on electric school buses. Lawmakers decided to press pause, shifting the requirements to 2032 and 2040. Assemblyman Michael Cashman, D-Plattsburgh Town, said the delay doesn’t address all of the concerns in the North Country, but believes it’s a step in the right direction. “It is a win for the school districts, but there is more work ahead, and I remain committed to this work going into the next session,” he said.
Stec and Cashman are also applauding the passage of the “Death Gamble Bill” that will allow the families of correction workers who die on the job before their retirement to collect full pensions and benefits.
“That date would be recognized to make sure their family could receive their full pension benefits, and the way it is written now does not provide for that,” Cashman said.
Both lawmakers said the budget is without the constitutional amendment that would allow for development at three vacant state prisons, two of which are in the North Country. Stec said it’ll likely take another two years to get it to voters if it doesn’t pass by the end of the session.
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