ALBANY – The New York State Assembly and Senate have each wrapped up their respective versions of the 2015-16 state budget, with both houses expected to vote on their individual plans Thursday. Each plan differs slightly from the other, as well as from the initial executive budget that was put forward by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in January.
One of the primary differences between all three is how to approach education spending.
Cuomo has told the Legislature that rejection of his education reforms would result in a $377 million increase in education aid. Acceptance of his fixes, however, will result in a $1.1 billion increase.
The Assembly, which is controlled by Democrats, is proposing a $150.7 billion spending plan that rejects the governor’s major education policy proposals and has presented a plan that is calling for a $1.8 billion aid increase. The GOP-controlled Senate wants $1.9 billion and the elimination of the controversial Gap Elimination Adjustment. The budget mechanism was introduced in the wake of the 2008 recession that has reduced funding for districts statewide.
The Senate’s proposal also includes a property tax rebate program that would apply to all homeowners eligible for the STAR program, and makes the property tax cap permanent. A Senate official said the rebate program, when combined with the existing property tax freeze, would provide the average homeowner with a $458 rebate check.
According to the Albany Times Union – Meetings between the governor and legislative leaders have been happening sporadically. Little news has emerged this early in the budget process, but with the somewhat ceremonious one-house proposals close to being completed, leaders and their staffs have numbers to work with and its likely legislative leaders will be meeting more frequently with the governor in the coming days and weeks building up to the April 1 deadline.
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