State lawmakers in Albany reached a tentative budget deal that would restore millions to Long Island's schools and hospitals.

The original budget proposal significantly cut state education and health care aid to Long Island, where taxes are among the highest in the state. The new deal would restore approximately $500 million of previously slashed education funding and $350 million for health care statewide. Senator Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) said about $115 million would come to Long Island schools, especially the high-tax districts.

For Nassau University Medical Center Chief Executive Arthur Gianelli, the deal comes as a great relief.

"It would've been bad for everybody," Gianelli said. "It would've been bad for the people who rely on this hospital for their day-to-day care."

Instead of the proposed $7.9 million cut in reimbursements, NUMC would only lose $1 million in reimbursements under the new deal. Gianelli said if he cuts expenses and creates new revenue by speeding up the opening of the expanded psychiatric ward, services at NUMC would not be affected.