HOCHUL PROVIDES BUDGET UPDATE: Gov. Kathy Hochul stopped by the press offices in the state Capitol this afternoon bearing Girl Scout cookies (no Thin Mints, since they’re her favorite) to provide an update on budget talks. It was an unusual approach compared to the previous governor, whose trips upstairs to the third floor of the Capitol were rare and even rarer to stop to chat with reporters. “It’s a different environment, the temperature’s a lot lower. We’re trying to get decisions done earlier rather than later,” Hochul noted. The governor has faced intense criticismfrom progressives in particular for backing some changes to bail reform during negotiations. “I think that’s a sign that you’re in a right place, but I’m still very much at the table with the leaders,” Hochul said of criticism from both Democrats and Republicans on her proposals. “We’re still listening, but I feel very committed that we ensure public safety — every New Yorker deserves to feel safe, as well as respecting the rights of individuals.” Hochul said every point of her leaked 10-point plan was “a balanced, reasonable approach that continues to respect the rights of the accused.” The governor indicated she would be open to signing so-called “messages of necessity” to bring budget bills to a vote without a three-day aging period. Lawmakers have proposed billions of dollars more in spending over what Hochul proposed. Hochul said she tried to address priorities in her proposal and didn’t “play those games” of cutting items just to have legislators fight to get them restored. She said this is an unusual year with a flood of revenue and support from the federal government. “I have to be able to prepare for a possible spike where we have to take dramatic action in terms of spending again to deal with getting more test kits, vaccines and boosters,” she said. “I have to manage our expenses now to be ready for the future.” — Marie J. French LOOK WHO'S TALKING: Lawmakers continued budget talks today. Nobody’s expecting any major deals to emerge over the weekend — a more reasonable aspiration is for most bills to be introduced early next week — but it’s not impossible some smaller agreements could begin to be printed by Sunday night — Bill Mahoney FOIL FRIDAY: State GOP Chair Nick Langworthy today announced during a press event outside the Capitol that he filed a Freedom of Information Law request for “on all communications related to bail reform” from the Hochul administration. (Regular reminder to our readers and ourselves that anyone can and should file these on the reg!) Langworthy said that after the somewhat chaotic rollout of Hochul’s public safety proposals he wants to know what everyone within the chamber was talking about from Jan. 1. It’s fun because Hochul has promised to be prompt and responsive to FOIL requests as part of her vow to cherish transparency as governor. — Anna Gronewold GAS TAX OPPOSITION: In perhaps a sign that a gas tax holiday still has legs in the state budget discussions, opponents issued a statement arguing for more targeted relief. Transit, anti-poverty and environmental advocates including Environmental Advocates N.Y., Regional Plan Association and Community Service Society of New York argued a tax holiday wouldn't do much to help New York residents most hurt by rising costs. “It does little to help those New Yorkers most hurt by rising prices, takes revenue away from needed road and transit investments and completely contradicts New York’s climate goals,” the groups said in a statement. Wealthier people drive more than those with low incomes, meaning limited benefits for those most in need. The groups also objected to diverting money for transit and backfilling from general funds. The concept of a gas tax holiday or a rebate has been kicking around as budget discussions percolate ahead of the March 31 deadline. Hochul said relief for gas costs “is on the table.” “We are very sensitive to this,” she said. “The vast majority of our state doesn’t have — land mass wise — does not have public transportation options even available to them. This is about people getting to their jobs, and getting the kids dropped off to school and just trying to live their everyday lives and the costs just keep going up and up.” — Marie J. French
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