Assembly approves short-term budget extender to fund state through April 14

The New York State Assembly on April 7 approved a short-term budget extender to maintain state operations through April 14, advancing and passing Assembly Bill 10850 by voice vote.

Chairman Pretlow described the measure as a temporary extender "that would ensure funding for vital programs through April 14," saying it covers administrative payroll, Medicaid, mass transit operating assistance, unemployment insurance, OPWDD, veterans programs and other general state charges. The clerk also read the Governor's certification and message regarding the bill.

Assemblymember Paul Musano pressed leadership on timing for a completed budget and criticized the continued reliance on short-term extenders. "Passing a budget is our basic obligation and we have failed again to get that done on time," Musano said on the floor, warning that school districts, local governments, businesses and families are making decisions now amid uncertainty. Musano stated he would vote for the extender to keep government operating while urging urgency for a final package.

During floor discussion, Chairman Pretlow said policy negotiations — including disputes over auto insurance, changes tied to SECRA, and state climate law proposals — remain the primary impediment to a finalized budget and that his focus is on the fiscal elements. On the amounts discussed on the floor, Pretlow said the Assembly has extended roughly $3.96 billion to date and that the current increase cited during remarks was about $2.9 billion.

On the motion to advance and pass the bill, the clerk recorded the vote as Ayes 135, Nays 0. The act was read to take effect immediately.

After the passage, the Assembly announced a majority conference to convene immediately following the session, and the chamber adjourned until Wednesday, April 8, with a reconvene date of Monday, April 13 at the call of the Speaker.