New YorkA 110002025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Provides for emergency appropriation for the period April 1, 2026 through April 20, 2026

Sponsored By: J. Gary Pretlow (Democratic)

Became Law

WAYS AND MEANSRULES

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

14 provisions identified: 11 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

April paychecks for state and court workers

Beginning April 1, 2026, the state pays $835.781 million to cover state employee payrolls due April 1–20, 2026. It also pays $85 million for court payrolls and $62.25 million for court employee benefits in that period. These payments include some liabilities from before April 1. This keeps paychecks and benefits on time for state and judiciary staff.

More funding for state employee benefits

Starting April 1, 2026, the state provides $644.7 million for general charges. Of that, $644.6 million funds employee fringe benefits like retirement and health insurance. This keeps state employee benefits funded and paid.

More support for disability services

Starting April 1, 2026, the state increases OPWDD community services to $311.985 million and covers $280.008 million of the state/local Medicaid share for people with developmental disabilities. It raises funding to $18.563 million for residential services, $4.56 million for day programs, $5.13 million for family support, and $2.964 million for employment and training. It adds $760,000 for other services like care‑at‑home and epilepsy supports. The Justice Center also gets $195,000 for community support and surrogate decision‑making contracts.

More funding for unemployment benefits

Starting April 1, 2026, the state adds $570 million to the unemployment insurance fund. The money pays weekly benefits under state law and any federally authorized unemployment programs. This supports unemployed workers who receive UI checks.

Annual cap on state Medicaid spending

The law limits Department of Health Medicaid spending to $36.0992 billion from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. Some payments, like services at state‑operated OMH, OPWDD, and OASAS facilities, are excluded. The budget director can adjust the cap for changes in federal match, provider revenues, minimum wage costs, and similar factors. Spending is checked every quarter, and a savings plan is required if costs are expected to exceed the cap.

More Medicaid money keeps care running

Beginning April 1, 2026, the state funds Medicaid with $4.53 billion to keep coverage and payments going. It also provides $509.958 million for long‑term care, $107.055 million for nursing homes, and $72.714 million for hospital stays. It sets aside $236.438 million for pharmacy (only for authorized drugs unless the budget director approves), $467.130 million for managed care and primary‑care grants, $11.310 million for health homes, and $31.764 million for medical transportation. The state can pay CMS for drug costs for people on both Medicare and Medicaid and give grants to distressed safety‑net hospitals. Officials can shift funds to mental health and addiction services to address lost inpatient beds, and DOH may use funds to pay settlements and rate‑appeal judgments.

State vendor and local payments continue

The state pays $32 million for regular, non‑payroll bills dated April 1–20, 2026. It provides $10 million for pre‑approved contracts and up to $10 million for capital project bills from April 1–20. It also provides $20 million for newly approved contracts and up to $20 million for capital bills in that same window. Courts receive $13 million to pay vendors and $11 million owed to local governments. This keeps contractors, suppliers, and local partners paid.

Tighter approval rules on Medicaid spending

Beginning April 1, 2026, Medical Assistance funds cannot pay for expenses not already allowed by law without the budget director’s approval. Local social services districts also cannot change rates or fee schedules that affect costs unless DOH and the budget director approve first. These rules tighten oversight of Medicaid spending and local payment changes.

Funds to pay state damage claims

Starting April 1, 2026, the state sets aside $178,000 to pay claims for property damage, injuries, or wrongful death caused by state workers or assigned vehicles. This money pays settlements to affected people or businesses.

Funding for EPIC senior drug help

Beginning April 1, 2026, the state provides $1.2 million for the EPIC prescription program. The money pays program costs and reimburses participating pharmacies. Eligible seniors get help with prescription drug costs.

More funding for public and Indian health

Starting April 1, 2026, the Center for Community Health funding rises to $27.33 million to support local public‑health work. The state also provides $7 million for the Indian health program under a plan approved by the health commissioner and budget director. These funds support clinics and community health services.

More funds to run SNAP and WIC

Starting April 1, 2026, the state provides $20.33 million to operate federal food and nutrition programs. The funds also cover assistance already accrued. This supports SNAP and WIC benefits delivered through the state.

More help for veterans and spouses

Beginning April 1, 2026, the state funds $385,000 for annuities to blind veterans and eligible surviving spouses. Up to $15,000 may cover program administration. It also funds $114,000 to advise homeless and housing‑insecure veterans and connect them to benefits and housing help.

Funding for MTA subways and rails

Starting April 1, 2026, the state deposits $41.065 million for New York City Transit and related systems. It adds $7.26 million for Long Island Rail Road and Metro‑North operations. It also deposits $13.138 million into the Central Business District tolling capital lockbox. Spending begins only after a budget approval certificate is filed.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

J. Gary Pretlow
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 52 • No: 1

House vote • 4/16/2026

FLOOR Vote