Well, well, well. The ol’ budget negotiations are at it again. It’s almost like they’re trying to break their own record from 2004 for the latest budget passed. Last year, they barely made it in early August. I mean, come on, guys, it’s like they’re trying to live on the edge.

Don’t worry, folks, the state workers will still get their paychecks. Thank goodness for these extender bills, am I right? But some things can’t be put off forever, no matter how hard we try.

Now, listen up, because this is where things get really interesting. On April 26th, New York City’s executive budget plan is due…or supposed to be. Good luck with that, given all the uncertainty we’ve got going on in Albany right now.

And it’s not just the budget that’s got a ticking clock. The 2023 legislative session only runs until June 8th. That means the longer these jokers spend on the budget, the less time they’ll have to tackle anything else. Tick-tock, people!

But what’s next, you ask? Oh boy, where do we even begin? How will the state pay for those emissions reductions we promised to make happen? Are we gonna get more charter schools? Higher minimum wage? Ban menthol cigarettes? Who knows? Your guess is as good as ours.

And let’s not forget about the subway. Who’s gonna make up funding shortages for that? We’ll have to wait and see, my friends. Time will tell, as it always does.

Serious News: nytimes