New YorkA 81152025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Provides for emergency appropriation for the period April 1, 2025 through May 7, 2025

Sponsored By: J. Gary Pretlow (Democratic)

Became Law

WAYS AND MEANSRULES

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

State and court paychecks stay funded

The law funds state worker and court payrolls through mid‑May 2025. It provides $1.978 billion to pay executive and legislative employees for payrolls scheduled April 1–May 17, 2025, including any back pay due before April 1. Courts get $265 million for paychecks scheduled April 1–May 17, 2025. It also sets aside $300 million so the judiciary can pay employer benefits like pensions and health insurance for liabilities from April 1–May 16, 2025.

More funding for Medicaid, CHIP, public health

The state increases Medicaid funding to $7.794 billion for the year starting April 1, 2025 to pay providers and local districts. It provides $109.366 million for children’s health insurance (CHIP), and can reimburse local costs for kids newly enrolled in Medicaid at 100%–133% of the poverty level. Seniors’ EPIC drug coverage gets $1.52 million to reimburse pharmacies. Public health programs get more too: $44.45 million for the Center for Community Health and $7 million for the Indian health program. The state also raises federal food and nutrition funds to $37.45 million to cover accrued SNAP/WIC obligations.

Medicaid spending cap and possible cuts

The law caps state Medicaid spending at $33.417285 billion from April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026. The budget director can adjust the cap for things like federal match changes, provider revenues, wage changes, and disasters. If spending is projected to go over the cap, the health commissioner can change rules to save money. That can include lowering or pausing provider payments, trimming or pausing some benefits, or seeking federal waivers. The department must give notice, publish changes, and report quarterly, with faster action allowed during a public health emergency.

More support for people with developmental disabilities

Funding for OPWDD community services rises to $428.257 million for the year starting April 1, 2025. The law provides $34.195 million for residential services, $8.4 million for day programs, and $9.45 million for family support. It adds $1.4 million for other supports like epilepsy services and Special Olympics. It also provides $5.46 million for workshop and employment services; up to $800,000 may go to ACCES‑VR for the FEDCAP sheltered employment program.

More money to pay unemployment benefits

The law raises funding for unemployment insurance from $945 million to $975 million for the year starting April 1, 2025. The money pays regular unemployment benefits and any federally authorized disaster or emergency programs. Eligible claimants can keep getting paid as claims are processed.

Short-term funds to pay state bills

The state sets aside $34 million to pay regular vendor and other non‑payroll bills from April 1–May 16, 2025. The judiciary gets $25 million to pay its vendor bills for the same period. Courts also get $30 million to pay what they owe local governments through May 16, 2025. If your business or locality is owed for work in that window, this money helps pay you.

Annuity payments for blind veterans

The state provides $385,000 to pay annuities to blind veterans and eligible surviving spouses for the year starting April 1, 2025. Up to $15,000 may cover program administration.

Housing help for homeless veterans

The law provides $490,000 from the Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund for housing services for homeless veterans for the year starting April 1, 2025. The money supports programs and providers that help veterans secure housing.

How this stopgap money is spent

The law takes effect immediately and applies back to April 1, 2025. The Budget Director must certify most spending before agencies can use this money; the legislature and courts are exempt. After the final budget passes, the Comptroller moves these payments into the final appropriations, and then these temporary appropriations are repealed.

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: 4

House vote • 5/1/2025

FLOOR Vote