NY budget: Dems split over expanding unemployment pay to undocumented workers
Updated 4:37 PM;
Syracuse, N.Y. – Democratic state lawmakers are at odds over whether to expand unemployment benefits to undocumented workers, a sticking point in a budget that’s already late.
Earlier this year, both Democratic-controlled houses endorsed putting $2.1 billion toward workers unable to benefit from federal unemployment benefits. That includes some undocumented workers.
But more recently, some Democrats have pushed back, saying money should go to help small businesses, the New York Post has reported.
More progressive members, including many New York City-area Senate Democrats, such as Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, are not backing down from funding the “excluded workers” fund.
The governor’s vague language did little to clear up questions about New York’s fiscal future a full five days after the April 1 budget deadline came and went without a plan in place.
ALBANY â The release of New Yorkâs $2.3 billion in federal relief for tenants and small landlords struggling to pay rent or property taxes through the coronavirus pandemic relies on state leaders negotiating the late budget through the weekend.
Legislators did not anticipate debating or voting on legislation related to the 2021-22 budget over the weekend and anticipated observing Sundayâs Easter holiday. Officials said many representatives had left town as of Friday afternoon and did not expect to advance the next state spending plan before next week.
State executives have waited to release a plan and instructions for New York to distribute its total $2.3 billion in federal COVID-19 rent relief for tenants and small landlords.
ALBANY â The release of New Yorkâs $2.3 billion in federal relief for tenants and small landlords struggling to pay rent or property taxes through the coronavirus pandemic relies on state leaders negotiating the late budget through the weekend.
Legislators did not anticipate debating or voting on legislation related to the 2021-22 budget over the weekend and anticipated observing Sundayâs Easter holiday. Officials said many representatives had left town as of Friday afternoon and did not expect to advance the next state spending plan before next week.
State executives have waited to release a plan and instructions for New York to distribute its total $2.3 billion in federal COVID-19 rent relief for tenants and small landlords.