Senator Helming Statement on Continuing Budget Extensions

Pamela Helming

April 22, 2026

Senator Helming

A 6th budget extender was passed today and one thing is very clear: there are still no answers on when a final budget will be done.

During today’s extender debate, it was stated that there are no agreed upon financial targets and no clarity on the policies that will ultimately be included.

Key issues remain unresolved—from energy policy and auto insurance reforms to SEQRA, new taxes, and immigration.

Several news outlets are reporting the Governor now expects a budget by May 19. If that’s accurate, that means another month of uncertainty.

And that uncertainty has real consequences for taxpayers. Schools and municipalities are left guessing on funding, even as schools are under a legal obligation to adopt and present their budgets to voters.

Critical infrastructure work—flood mitigation, road and bridge repairs, and even basic pothole fixes—is in limbo during an already short construction season.

That’s why I will continue pushing for answers, transparency, and a budget that puts affordability and our local communities first—and I will keep fighting to get this done right.

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