New YorkA 113652025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Provides for emergency appropriation for the period April 1, 2026 through May 18, 2026

Sponsored By: J. Gary Pretlow (Democratic)

Became Law

WAYS AND MEANSRULES

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

12 provisions identified: 10 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Essential Plan gets $1.15 billion

The state provides $1.15 billion for the Essential Plan. The money pays for services and costs already owed or that come due. Funds can be moved within Health Department accounts as allowed.

State and court workers get paid

State employees receive pay for payrolls scheduled April 1 to May 18, 2026. The law sets aside about $2.05 billion for state payroll and $269 million for court payroll. It also covers payroll liabilities from before April 1, 2026.

Stronger health and benefits for workers

Beginning April 1, 2026, the state boosts funding for employee and retiree benefits. It provides $982.761 million for health insurance and retiree health, $192.5 million for Social Security, $55 million for workers’ compensation, and $13.524 million for dental coverage. Courts get $115.75 million to pay employee fringe costs for April 1–May 18, 2026. General State Charges rise to $1.311 billion to cover these obligations. This keeps coverage and employer contributions current.

Medicaid spending capped; payments may change

The state sets a $36.0992 billion cap on state Medicaid spending for April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. The Budget Director can adjust the cap for federal matching and other listed factors. The Health Commissioner can modify or suspend some provider payments or program benefits to stay within the cap, with required notices and approvals. All changes must follow federal law and the approved Medicaid plan.

More community help for disabilities

Funding for community services for people with developmental disabilities rises to $919.125 million, up from $914.076 million. Money can be used for advances and reimbursements and is net of refunds and credits. This supports local programs and supports under state mental hygiene law.

More money for unemployment benefits

The state provides $1.47 billion for unemployment insurance benefits starting April 1, 2026, up from $1.455 billion. It also adds $2 million to reimburse the fund for benefits paid to former state employees. This helps keep benefit payments on schedule.

Short-term funds to pay state bills

The state sets aside $66 million to pay executive agency vendor and other non‑payroll bills from April 1 to May 18, 2026. It provides $10 million to pay approved contracts and grants from before April 1, and $20 million for contracts and grants approved after April 1. Up to the full amounts can pay capital project bills from April 1 to May 18. Courts get $36 million to pay vendor bills (April 1–May 6) and $22 million to pay court‑related aid to localities (April 1–May 18).

More aid for local health work

The Health Department gets $60.352 million for community health programs, up from $57.142 million. Funds support local health services, including Indian health and federal food and nutrition subprograms. Amounts are net of refunds, rebates, and credits.

More help for veterans’ annuities and housing

Funding for blind veteran annuities rises to $770,000. Up to $15,000 can be used for administration. The state also provides $282,000 for homeless veterans’ housing services, up from $264,000, starting April 1, 2026.

Albany gets $7.72 million PILOT

The state pays $7.72 million in‑lieu of taxes to the city of Albany for certain state‑owned land. The payment may be made before October 1, 2026 under this law.

Extra operating help for transit systems

The state provides $42.536 million to help run regional transit systems. Money goes to named authorities and local transit systems. Payments follow a financial plan approved by the Budget Director. This helps keep buses, trains, and ferries operating.

Budget signoff needed before spending

No money in this act is spent until the Budget Director issues a certificate and files it with the Comptroller and legislative chairs. The legislature and courts are exempt. After the final budget passes, the Comptroller moves these charges to the matching final appropriations and the used emergency items are repealed. The act takes effect immediately and applies on and after April 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

J. Gary Pretlow
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 56 • No: 2

House vote • 5/14/2026

FLOOR Vote