OAN’s Elizabeth Bolbelding
10:32am – Sunday, April 21, 2024
Over the weekend, the New York State Assembly approved a $237 billion state budget that includes measures to promote housing construction and combat unlicensed marijuana dispensaries.
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The package would address the recent immigration surge, hasten the closure of some state prisons and keep policies in place that allow people to buy to-go drinks during the pandemic.
The state Senate and Assembly approved a number of budget proposals Saturday. The budget now goes to Gov. Kathy Hochul (D.N.Y.), who is expected to sign it into law.
Additionally, $2.4 billion has been set aside by state officials to help the large number of immigrants in New York City’s homeless shelters. The funds will be used for migrants’ housing, legal needs and medical care.
Lawmakers also took action in response to the proliferation of unlicensed marijuana dispensaries in New York City. The state has found it difficult to close the mushrooming number of stores across the Big Apple because of bureaucratic hurdles.
The budget also includes provisions that would make it easier for local law enforcement to shut down establishments suspected of illegally selling marijuana while cases are pending, which would help resolve the issue. Previously, the state was solely responsible for most enforcement, allowing these types of facilities to remain open during the lengthy appeals process.
Mr. Hochul and influential legislative leaders engaged in closed-door negotiations centered around a comprehensive plan to stimulate the state’s housing market.
Developers who agree to rent some of the units in new buildings at below-market rates would receive tax benefits under the plan. Although not as broad as many supporters had hoped, the agreement also includes protections for some residents against eviction and unfair rent increases.
Governor Hochul issued a statement after the budget was passed, saying:
“At the State of the State, I promised New Yorkers that we would fight to build more housing, improve education, and protect public safety. And that’s exactly what our budget will do. .
“This budget deal marks the most significant improvements in housing policy in three generations. It includes transformative investments in health care and education that put our country on a path to fiscal stability. Ending co-pays for insulin, establishing the nation’s first paid maternity leave, and launching the EmpireAI consortium. This budget provides new tools to crack down on retail theft and shut down illegal cannabis storefronts. . We’ll help New York City’s children by increasing the mayor’s accountability for public schools. And we’ve managed to do it all without raising income taxes one cent.
“I would like to thank Chairman Heastie, Leader Stewart-Cousins and my colleagues in Congress for working together on this agreement, and I look forward to continuing to work together.”
During floor debate, state Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, RN.Y., attacked the proposal, arguing that it would attract more illegal immigrants to New York.
“We made a lot of difficult decisions in this budget,” Ort said. “But 2.4 billion is a significant amount. It makes you wonder what could have been done with other parts of the budget for legal New Yorkers.”
Additionally, in an effort to save money in light of the state’s declining prison population, New York state plans to fast-track the closure of up to five state prisons. The governor will decide which prisons to close by March next year. Since 2011, the state has closed 20 prisons due to empty beds, saving about $442 million a year, according to a report from the state Department of Corrections.
The budget also includes provisions allowing the sale of hard liquor at movie theaters, extending pandemic-era to-go alcoholic beverage sales, and lowering New York City’s speed limits. There is. These measures will also provide paid leave during pregnancy.
The state office responsible for drafting legislation for Congress was hit by a cyber attack, pushing the budget bill nearly three weeks past its scheduled April 1 deadline.cent.
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