Friends -

We just passed a budget in New York, and for the first time during my tenure as a State senator, it actually reflects the values and needs of a majority of New Yorkers.

It is not a perfect budget, not at all. But it actually delivers for New Yorkers and exceeded my expectations going into the negotiations.

Before I get to the specifics, I need to make something as clear as I can:

There are several provisions in this budget that require action on the part of people and small businesses eligible to receive the aid made available.

So in the coming weeks, I will engage leaders in District 34 and across the state to make sure billions of dollars in relief funds reach the people they are intended for.

Now, some of the details.

$1 billion for New York’s small-businesses
$1.5 billion for infrastructure and transportation
$1.5 billion+ for education in the state
Restore $500m from cuts to Medicaid and public health programs
$2.1 billion for one time employment benefits for workers who lost employment or income during COVID but were ineligible for certain federal benefits
Relief for tenants and homeowners including $2.4 billion for rental assistance, with 12 months arrears for rent and utilities, 3 months of prospective rent, and one year or eviction protection regardless of immigration status

Like I said, the budget isn’t perfect. And it comes up short on home health care. There’s not enough funding for NYCHA. And, to be honest, while we are raising revenues by taxing some of the wealthiest New Yorkers, this budget could have gone further.

But ultimately, this is a good budget, and the best one since I’ve been elected to office.

Thanks for reading. This success is only possible because of our collective work and activism.

Alessandra

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