State Approves $237 Billion with Emphasis on Increasing Education Funding and Improving Housing Situation

State legislators and Gov. Kathy Hochul reached a $237 billion budget agreement for Fiscal Year 2024-25, focusing on education aid, affordable housing, and health services. The budget process was marked by disagreements, with the legislature rejecting Hochul’s proposed cuts to Foundation Aid.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins praised the budget for prioritizing working families and critical areas like education, housing, and healthcare. The budget includes $150 million for affordable housing, $350 million for a tax credit for working families, and $500 million for clean water infrastructure projects.

The budget also allocates additional funds for Universal Pre-K, SUNY colleges, and the Tuition Assistance Program. Sen. Peter Harckham highlighted the budget’s investments in education and transportation, including funding for highway improvements and public transit systems.

State Sen. Shelley Mayer commended the restoration of Foundation Aid, ensuring that every district receives at least as much funding as the previous year. The Bedford School District, facing potential cuts without restored aid, expressed gratitude for the support from state legislators.

However, Assemblyman Matt Slater criticized the budget for neglecting to allocate more funds for road repairs. Despite calls for increased investment in infrastructure, the final budget did not include additional funding for Department of Transportation projects.

Overall, the budget reflects a balance of priorities, with investments in education, housing, and transportation, but also highlighting the ongoing challenges of funding road repairs and infrastructure improvements.