New YorkA 80002025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Provides for emergency appropriation for the period April 1, 2025 through April 23, 2025

Sponsored By: J. Gary Pretlow (Democratic)

Became Law

WAYS AND MEANSRULES

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

10 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

More Medicaid funding and wage support

Beginning April 1, 2025, the state provides $6.03 billion to run Medicaid, including local services and administration. Medicaid funds can also help cover salary and fringe costs tied to minimum wage increases. The state can use these funds to pay CMS for prescription drug costs for people on both Medicare and Medicaid.

Keep state paychecks and courts running

The state pays $1.34 billion for executive and legislative payrolls due April 1–23, 2025, including prior liabilities. It pays $175 million for judiciary payrolls and $300 million for judiciary fringe costs in that same period. It also pays $32 million for executive agency bills, $25 million for court bills, and $30 million for judiciary aid to localities. These payments keep state workers, courts, and vendors paid during early April.

More money for unemployment benefits

Beginning April 1, 2025, the state sets aside $660 million to pay unemployment insurance benefits. The money can also pay federally authorized programs like disaster or emergency unemployment benefits. This helps keep jobless benefits paid on time.

State worker health and benefit support

Beginning April 1, 2025, the state funds employee benefits, including $566.80 million for fringe costs and $422 million for health insurance and the retiree trust to pay 2025–26 premiums. It pays $99.15 million in employer Social Security taxes and $1.475 million of the commuter mobility tax for covered employees. It also funds dental, vision, employee benefit funds, and the state’s share of a voluntary defined contribution plan.

Medicaid cap and power to cut

Beginning April 1, 2025, state Medicaid spending cannot exceed $33.42 billion for April 2025–March 2026, with allowed adjustments by the budget director. The State Medicaid Director can change reimbursement rules or reduce or end some benefits to stay under the cap, with notice and posting, or faster during a public health emergency. Medicaid dollars may also pay for legal help, screenings, insurer data matching, and pharmacy benefit work. Local districts cannot use these funds for their own unapproved rate or fee changes.

More funding for SNAP and WIC

Beginning April 1, 2025, the state adds $23.54 million to the federal food and nutrition fund. This supports SNAP and WIC services and payments already owed. It helps keep grocery help flowing through local program delivery.

More help for developmental disabilities

Beginning April 1, 2025, the state adds $406.38 million for OPWDD community services and $369.35 million for the state share of medical assistance for people with developmental disabilities. It also increases funds for residential care, day programs, family supports, and work and training services; up to $800,000 can support a sheltered employment program through ACCES‑VR. Smaller funds support hepatitis B services, care‑at‑home waivers, epilepsy services, Special Olympics, and voluntary fingerprinting. The Justice Center receives $105,000 for surrogate decision‑making services.

More help for veterans’ housing and annuities

Beginning April 1, 2025, the state provides $308,000 for homeless veterans’ housing services and advising. It also creates a Blind Veteran Annuity Assistance Program with $385,000 for eligible blind veterans and surviving spouses. Up to $15,000 covers program administration.

Targeted health programs outside Medicaid

Beginning April 1, 2025, the state provides $30.54 million for community health services. It funds $7 million for the Indian health program. It also provides $1.52 million for EPIC to reimburse pharmacies and serve enrolled seniors.

Rules to spend and true-up funds

State agencies cannot spend these appropriations until the budget director issues a certificate filed with the comptroller and key budget chairs. The legislature and courts are exempt from this step. After the final budget passes, the comptroller moves these interim charges into the final enacted accounts.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

J. Gary Pretlow
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 50 • No: 1

House vote • 4/17/2025

FLOOR Vote