(Albany, N.Y.)   The New York State Senate passed its One-House Budget Resolution, advancing the chamber’s proposal for the upcoming state budget and beginning negotiations with the Assembly and Governor toward a final enacted spending plan.

The One-House Budget Resolution serves as the Senate’s formal budget proposal and outlines the chamber’s priorities for negotiations with the Assembly and the Governor. The Senate’s proposal focuses on addressing affordability challenges facing New Yorkers while strengthening investments in education, workforce development, healthcare, and community programs across the state, as states continue preparing for potential federal funding cuts to essential programs. The proposal also includes revenue measures designed to ensure the wealthiest individuals and large corporations pay their fair share while supporting investments that benefit working families and local communities. The plan includes expanded childcare assistance for working families, funding to help lower energy costs through the state’s Energy Affordability Program, investments in public education and universal school meals, and additional support for hospitals and healthcare providers.

Senator Jeremy J. Zellner said the proposal reflects the Senate’s focus on tackling the rising cost of living while continuing to invest in the institutions and programs that support families and local economies.

Families across New York are feeling the pressure of rising costs. From childcare and healthcare to energy bills and everyday expenses, said Senator Zellner. The Senate’s proposal takes meaningful steps to address affordability while continuing to invest in education, workforce development, and community programs that strengthen our neighborhoods and grow our economy.

Zellner also highlighted several investments included in the Senate proposal that would directly benefit communities across the 61st Senate District.

Western New York has incredible institutions, workforce programs, and community organizations that help drive our local economy and support families across our region, Zellner said. These investments strengthen education, expand workforce opportunities, and support organizations that play a vital role in our community.

Key investments included in the Senate’s One-House Budget proposal for the 61st District include:

• $3.2 million for the Bilingual Educator Pipeline program at Buffalo State, helping prepare the next generation of teachers to serve diverse classrooms across Western New York.

• $1 million for the Richardson Olmsted Campus through Empire State Development capital projects, supporting continued preservation and economic development at one of Buffalo’s most historic and culturally significant landmarks.

• $3.1 million for the New York State Immigration Coalition, supporting services and advocacy for immigrant communities across the state, including in Western New York.

• $200,000 for the Workforce Development Institute, supporting the Buffalo Building Trades’ pre-apprenticeship program and expanding pathways to careers in the skilled trades.

• $150,000 for the Center for Employment Opportunities, helping provide transitional employment and workforce services for individuals reentering the workforce.

• $200,000 for the Western New York Council on Occupational Safety and Health (WNYCOSH), supporting workplace safety training and advocacy for workers across the region.

These investments support education, workforce development, and community organizations that play a critical role in Buffalo’s growing economy and diverse communities.

These programs help prepare teachers, connect residents to careers in the trades, and support organizations that provide vital services for immigrant families, Senator Zellner said. They are investments in the long-term strength of Buffalo and Western New York.

With the Senate now having passed its One-House Budget Resolution, negotiations will continue between the Senate, Assembly, and the Governor in the coming weeks before a final state budget is adopted.

The One-House Budget is an important step in the process, but negotiations are just beginning, Senator Zellner said. I will continue working with my colleagues and leadership to ensure the final budget delivers the resources and investments that families and communities across the 61st District deserve.

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