PHOTO BY REBECCA C. LEWIS |
Thursday, April 27, 2023 | 10:12 PM EDT |
In a surprise Thursday evening press conference, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a “conceptual agreement” on the state budget nearly a month after the spending plan was due. She highlighted changes to the bail law, new charter schools and a free bus pilot program in New York City. The plan is expected to total $229 billion.
Hochul began her announcement with bail reform, a major sticking point in the budget. “We’ve made improvements to our bail laws,” Hochul said, confirming earlier reporting by City & State that she and legislative leaders had reached a deal to remove what’s known as the “least restrictive means” standard judges need to follow when setting bail.
The budget also includes a two-year free bus pilot program for five New York City bus lines and a reauthorization of “zombie” charters that will enable 14 new charter schools to open in the city. Read City & State’s full coverage of the budget announcement. |
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