New YorkS 101662025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Provides for emergency appropriation for the period April 1, 2026 through May 6, 2026

Sponsored By: José M. Serrano (Democratic)

Became Law

RULESWAYS AND MEANS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More OPWDD community supports funded

The state funds $760.608 million for OPWDD community services, up from $615.555 million. It can advance and reimburse localities and nonprofits for fiscal periods starting Jan 1, Apr 1, or Jul 1, 2026, and for a 3‑month period starting Jan 1, 2027. Up to 100% state aid can cover net deficits in day training and family support programs.

More money for unemployment benefits

Beginning April 1, 2026, the state funds $1.215 billion for unemployment benefits, up from $1.020 billion. The money pays eligible claims under state law and any federal programs in effect.

Emergency funding keeps mass transit running

The state funds transit operations during the interim period. It provides $42.536 million in added transit aid, $61.360 million to the transit trust fund, $6.313 million for student fares, $167.533 million for operating assistance, and $13.138 million to support the MTA. Some payments require an approved financial plan or budget director sign‑off.

More funds for state obligations

Beginning April 1, 2026, the state raises General State Charges to $748.383 million. This money pays statewide obligations and charges due in the fiscal year.

State worker paychecks and benefits funded

The state provides $1.799 billion to pay payrolls scheduled April 1–May 6, 2026, including pre‑April 1 liabilities. It also funds $740.485 million for fringe benefits, $171 million for employer Social Security, $744,000 for the vision plan, and $1.059 million for the voluntary defined contribution plan. Pay for participants in state‑run sheltered work programs is included.

Medicaid funding rules and limits for 2026–27

Beginning April 1, 2026, the state sets how Medicaid money is managed for 2026–27. The Health Department can change some reimbursement rates or covered benefits to hit savings targets, but it must report and get approvals. It restricts unapproved rate changes, allows settlements in rate appeals, and lets funds pay Medicare drug costs for people on both programs. Agencies must follow transfer and certification rules before moving money.

Courts’ payroll and bills covered

The state provides $269 million for judiciary payrolls scheduled April 1–May 6, 2026, including earlier liabilities. It adds $36 million to pay judiciary non‑personal bills and $22 million to pay judiciary aid‑to‑localities liabilities for that same period.

Interim payments for state vendors and projects

The state sets $56 million to pay non‑personal service bills incurred April 1–May 6, 2026. It also provides $10 million and $20 million for approved contracts and grants, with up to $10 million and $20 million to pay capital project liabilities incurred April 1–May 6, 2026 on contracts approved before April 1, 2026.

More aid for local public health

The state provides $48.582 million to the Health Department’s Center for Community Health for 2026–27, up from $45.372 million. This money supports local public health programs.

Extra oversight before spending these funds

No money in this law can be spent until the Budget Director issues a certificate and files it with the Comptroller and key committees. The Legislature and Judiciary are exempt. When the regular budget is enacted, the Comptroller moves the spending to the final budget lines and these temporary appropriations are repealed. The law takes effect immediately and applies starting April 1, 2026.

Added help for blind and homeless veterans

The state funds $385,000 for annuities to blind veterans and eligible surviving spouses. Up to $15,000 pays program administration. It also funds $216,000 for veterans’ benefits advising tied to homeless veterans’ housing.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

José M. Serrano
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 59 • No: 1

Senate vote • 5/4/2026

FLOOR Vote