“It is ironic the due date for the 2025-26 New York State Budget falls on April Fools’ Day year after year. Here we are in Albany, yet we are here to pass our first budget extender, likely the first of numerous budget extenders. This late budget directly affects the ability of school districts and local governments to plan and budget effectively. This level of dysfunction creates an inefficient, unreliable state government that negatively impacts residents, businesses and municipalities across the state. While budget negotiations continue, I will be speaking up for New Yorkers statewide who deserve a reasonable, well-thought-out, timely budget to meet their financial needs.”