Hochul announces budget outline as lawmakers continue to hash out details

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday announced the framework of a $237 billion budget that includes broad plans to drive new housing construction, address the influx of migrants and crack down on illegal marijuana shops.

Hochul, a Democrat, described the announcement as the “parameters of a conceptual agreement” on the budget, which is about two weeks late, that was struck with leaders of the state Senate and Assembly after a series of backroom negotiations.

“You can’t get to the legislature for consideration unless we have agreement on the package to go forth,” Hochul told reporters at the Capitol, adding, “It takes a little time to get to the final resolution but I’ve explained what I feel there’s agreement on.”

Still, the governor’s announcement appeared to have caught lawmakers off guard, with officials still in the process of holding meetings and working out the specifics of the spending plan.

“I think it was a surprise for all of us in the Senate,” said state Sen. Liz Krueger, a high-ranking Democrat.

The Senate and Assembly, both controlled by Democrats, would need to approve the budget before it could become law.

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