Assembly passes short-term budget extender through April 16 amid criticism of closed-door negotiations

The New York State Assembly on April 13 voted unanimously to pass a short-term budget extender that keeps state operations funded through April 16 while leaders continue negotiating the 2026 budget.

Assemblymember Pretlow, the member presenting the measure, told the chamber the extender funds institutional payroll and other essential services, including public health programs, unemployment insurance, public assistance and veterans programs. "This extender takes us through April 16," Pretlow said during floor remarks.

Assemblymember Palmasano pressed for particulars about the cost and scope of successive extenders, asking how much the Legislature has spent on extenders since April 1 and what this latest measure adds. Pretlow told members that, "Since April 1, it was $7.4 billion," and that the current extender represents roughly a $3.4 billion increase. Pretlow said the bill covers emergency payroll needs, including payments for the National Guard and institutional payroll expenses.

Palmasano used the floor time to criticize the process by which budget decisions are being made, saying the public and rank-and-file members lack adequate information about sticking points in negotiations. "So here now, we are 12 days late with the budget," Palmasano said, arguing the body deserves greater transparency and accountability even as he said he would support the extender to keep government open.

Palmasano also asked about outstanding policy negotiations that remain unresolved, including auto insurance reforms and several climate-related proposals. The transcript records reference to a recent NYSERDA report on resident cost impacts and a suggestion that some federal funds for wind and solar projects have been withdrawn; Pretlow said climate matters remain under discussion but that his focus is on the fiscal aspects of the budget.

The Clerk read the bill's final section, which states the law takes effect immediately, and recorded the vote: Ayes, 132; Nays, 0. The presiding officer declared the bill passed.

Following passage, Assemblymember Fall moved that the chamber stand adjourned; the motion carried and members were scheduled to reconvene Tuesday, April 14, with a session planned for Thursday, April 16 at the call of the Speaker.

The vote advances short-term funding but does not resolve outstanding budget negotiations or detailed policy disputes. Several members said they expect additional extenders may be necessary, and leaders did not announce a firm timetable for completing the remaining budget bills.