Full Breakdown
New York Passes 13th Emergency Budget Extender Amid Ongoing Budget Stalemate
5/19/2026, 4:26:59 AM
13th Emergency Budget Extender Keeps State Operations Open
On Monday, the New York State Assembly passed the 13th emergency budget extender (S10520/A11445) unanimously (130-0); the Senate approved it 57-2. The $8 billion measure funds the state through Wednesday, averting a shutdown, and includes $5.9 billion for school aid and a $4.8 million advance for Yonkers schools.
Interim Funding Background
Since April 1, lawmakers have enacted temporary appropriations totaling $31.7 billion—about 13 % of last year’s $254 billion budget. Governor Kathy Hochul’s initial $268 billion projection now appears to be $262-$266 billion, reflecting ongoing negotiations that are more than six weeks behind schedule. These interim measures have been essential to keep state services operating.
Key Legislators and Their Positions
Democratic leaders include Assemblymember Gary Pretlow, who said the budget is “very close,” and Senator José Serrano, who noted the “final stages” of negotiations. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the original $268 billion estimate. Republican critics—Assemblymembers Sam Pirozzolo, Phil Palmesano, Mary Beth Walsh, Dough Smith, and Senator Tom O’Mara—have challenged the process and its impact on downstate districts.
Impact on Schools and Taxpayers
Local school budget elections on Tuesday leave districts uncertain about state aid. Republican Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh warned that rumors of a delayed electric-bus mandate worsen budgeting. Lawmakers also dispute who will fund pending Tier 6 retirement reforms, raising concerns over future property-tax burdens.
Official Statements & Responses
Assemblymember Pretlow said the budget number “has not been finalized” but expects “official spending bills soon.” Senator Serrano told the Senate the “final stages of putting all things together” are underway, with votes likely imminent.
Criticism & Opposition
Republican Assemblymember Sam Pirozzolo called the $4 billion NYC aid “nothing else other than a bailout.” Palmesano said schools “don’t know how much aid we’re getting” and nonprofits “are still waiting.” O’Mara decried “closed-door” negotiations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list the total budget as $262-$266 billion, contrasting with Hochul’s earlier $268 billion figure. School-aid is reported as $5.9 billion in the extender and “close to $6 billion” elsewhere. The schedule for the nine remaining budget bills remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Everything is very close,” — Gary Pretlow, Democratic Assemblymember
- “I can see, and the rest of the state really see it, as nothing else other than a bailout,” — Sam Pirozzolo, Republican Assemblymember
- “I don’t see why the public can’t be engaged in this conversation that is going on behind closed doors with three people in a room,” — Tom O’Mara, Republican State Senator
What’s Next
Legislators aim to pass at least one of the nine remaining budget bills before the June 4 session ends, while school districts head into Tuesday’s budget elections amid funding uncertainty.
