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 1,482 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
1:35
NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

1:45
Sunny, cool and breezy with temperatures in the upper-50s for NYC

Sunny, cool and breezy with temperatures in the upper-50s for NYC

2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

1:53
Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:05
Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

1:54
Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

0:19
NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

2:07
Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

2:04
Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

1:47
Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

1:46
NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

2:25
Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

1:42
New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

1:35
The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

1:59
NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

1:14
Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

1:35
New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

1:04
DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

0:20
MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels