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 1,494 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
1:48
Bushwick building owner cited for illegal work performed before fire destroyed supermarket, apartments

Bushwick building owner cited for illegal work performed before fire destroyed supermarket, apartments

1:44
STORM WATCH: Cool and cloudy with mild temperatures for NYC; tracking thunderstorms midweek

STORM WATCH: Cool and cloudy with mild temperatures for NYC; tracking thunderstorms midweek

1:26
Police: Cyclist struck by car overnight in Bushwick in critical condition

Police: Cyclist struck by car overnight in Bushwick in critical condition

1:24
Lawmakers crack down on theft against small retail, businesses owners in Brooklyn

Lawmakers crack down on theft against small retail, businesses owners in Brooklyn

0:24
Police: Man injured from overnight shooting in Brownsville

Police: Man injured from overnight shooting in Brownsville

New York City National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos

New York City National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos

1:15
NYPD: 23-year-old woman struck by B41 bus in Downtown Brooklyn

NYPD: 23-year-old woman struck by B41 bus in Downtown Brooklyn

1:35
4th annual People's Ball returns to the Brooklyn Public Library

4th annual People's Ball returns to the Brooklyn Public Library

1:43
Interested in transforming public pool sites in New York City? Here's how to submit your ideas

Interested in transforming public pool sites in New York City? Here's how to submit your ideas

2:09
Riverdale Restaurant Week kicks off for the season

Riverdale Restaurant Week kicks off for the season

0:32
NYPD: Man pistol-whipped taxi driver in Olinville, fired shots at vehicle; suspect sought

NYPD: Man pistol-whipped taxi driver in Olinville, fired shots at vehicle; suspect sought

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

1:53
Ditmas Park residents fed up with only building elevator being out of service for a year

Ditmas Park residents fed up with only building elevator being out of service for a year

1:48
Mott Haven art exhibit celebrates Indian Arrival Day

Mott Haven art exhibit celebrates Indian Arrival Day

1:48
FDNY: Rooftop fire spreads into apartment in Crown Heights

FDNY: Rooftop fire spreads into apartment in Crown Heights

1:22
Early Red Nose Day festivities kick off in Dumbo

Early Red Nose Day festivities kick off in Dumbo

2:06
Community-run green space needs help to keep produce growing

Community-run green space needs help to keep produce growing

2:13
FDNY: 1 critical, firefighter injured in East Flatbush apartment fire

FDNY: 1 critical, firefighter injured in East Flatbush apartment fire

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

2:00
Families devastated after learning 2 Brooklyn Catholic schools will be shutting down

Families devastated after learning 2 Brooklyn Catholic schools will be shutting down