It’s official.
Both chambers of the state legislature have approved Governor Kathy Hochul’s extensive state budget package, totaling $254 billion.
After a vigorous debate, lawmakers cast their final votes on Thursday evening. This discussion highlighted concerns about a provision suggesting that taxpayers might need to cover legal expenses for Attorney General Leticia James.
State Senator Andrew Lanza (R-Staten Island) remarked during the Senate debate, “This certainly presents a high level of hypocrisy.”
The budget includes terms allowing state employees to seek reimbursement for legal fees if they experience “discriminatory or retaliatory treatment” related to their jobs.
This information emerged as it was confirmed that the FBI is probing claims of misrepresentation related to a significant property and potential mortgage fraud.
Lanza expressed his disapproval, stating, “I can’t picture most New Yorkers being comfortable with their hard-earned tax dollars being utilized to pay attorneys defending civil servants against criminal allegations unrelated to their elected roles.”
On the other hand, Michael Janalis, the majority leader of the Associate State Senator, defended the necessity of the law.
Interestingly, lawmakers appeared more enthusiastic about the budget’s passage than their discussions might suggest.
The budget, which comprises ten distinct bills, largely passed along party lines.
State law encourages lawmakers not to accept compensation while budget negotiations are pending, advising them to align with community support efforts and refund about five weeks of pay in the form of a check.
Governor Hochul is expected to sign the bill into law.
