Lawmakers in Albany pass $237 billion state budget, restore school funding
The budget will re-instate the "hold harmless" provision and increase foundation aid by $934 million.
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State lawmakers in Albany passed the state budget Saturday night.
The final spending plan that came nearly three weeks late is $237 billion.
School funding will be restored.
The budget will re-instate the "hold harmless" provision and increase foundation aid by $934 million.
The Amityville School District, which is considering laying off dozens of teachers and closing a school, will also receive an extra $2 million.
The budget also includes new tuition assistance programs for CUNY and SUNY students by increasing the income limit thresholds to qualify for aid.
The plan to allow religious groups to build affordable housing on their property is not in the budget. In its place, municipalities will be able to adopt local tax exemptions to make it easier for homeowners to build what are called "accessory dwelling units." For example, renovating a garage for a renter.
The budget also includes tenant protections against squatters, like protections against residential deed theft, and changing the definition of "squatter" in state law.
