Approved state budget includes bail reform changes, no increase in school aid

In the middle of a worldwide pandemic with the state already in billions of dollars in debt, state officials say they did the best they could to maintain services for New Yorkers.

News 12 Staff

Apr 3, 2020, 6:54 PM

Updated 1,493 days ago

Share:

Lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo have approved a $177 billion budget aimed at keeping the state government running amid the coronavirus crisis.
In the middle of a worldwide pandemic with the state already in billions of dollars in debt, state officials say they did the best they could to maintain services for New Yorkers.
As for state aid to schools, the budget calls for zero increases. But because of New York's complicated school aid formula, it still means that come districts will see a cut, while some could see significant cuts.
Roosevelt, Amityville and Freeport stand to take a big hit. Amityville and Freeport will lose about $1 million each, while Roosevelt is set to take a big hit as well considering state aid makes up 80% of its budget.
The budget also includes a provision that gives Gov. Andrew Cuomo the right to cut school mid-year, depending on the state's financial situation months down the road.
"That's a significant amount of money that would be lost in the middle of the year when there's no opportunity except to tap into reserves, which some districts have. There's no opportunity for us to get that revenue back," says Joe Dragone, assistant schools superintendent for Roosevelt.
Many schools districts don't have a reserve fund to dip into, which leaves them two choices when they're short on money: cut programs or staff, or seek a tax hike from residents.
The budget also includes bail reform. Mostly from the insistence of legislators from suburban areas, more crimes have been added to the list of offenses for which judges can detain suspects.
Also included is the banning of flavored e-cigarettes and Styrofoam food containers, and it requires employers to provide paid sick leave.
"I understand we're all consumed with the coronavirus situation, but you have to be able to walk and chew gum," says Gov. Cuomo. "We have to move forward at the same time and that's why passing the budget and these pieces of legislation were important."


More from News 12
2:14
Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

1:39
Morning rains before cloudy, warm Monday afternoon for Long Island

Morning rains before cloudy, warm Monday afternoon for Long Island

1:53
Long Island's Jewish communities pause and reflect on Holocaust Remembrance Day

Long Island's Jewish communities pause and reflect on Holocaust Remembrance Day

1:34
2nd annual Long Island Jewish Film Festival celebrated at Cinema Arts Center in Huntington

2nd annual Long Island Jewish Film Festival celebrated at Cinema Arts Center in Huntington

0:23
Suffolk police: Pedestrian struck, killed by car in Copiague

Suffolk police: Pedestrian struck, killed by car in Copiague

0:50
Hundreds of athletes compete in Special Olympics New York Spring Games at Plainedge High School

Hundreds of athletes compete in Special Olympics New York Spring Games at Plainedge High School

0:30
Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

0:24
Police: Huntington Station man critically injured in Dix Hills hit-and-run

Police: Huntington Station man critically injured in Dix Hills hit-and-run

0:27
Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

2:06
New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

0:21
State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

0:45
Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

1:50
‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

0:46
Teachers participate at 15th annual 'GC for a Cure' 5K Run and Walk in memory of late educator

Teachers participate at 15th annual 'GC for a Cure' 5K Run and Walk in memory of late educator

0:53
Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

0:28
Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

2:15
Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

1:32
Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

0:38
Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

2:15
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst