Sen. Fahy’s Statement on Senate One-House FY2026-7 Budget Proposal

March 10, 2026

2026-2027 state budget

Disabilities

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York State Senator Patricia Fahy (D–Albany) released the following statement upon news that the State Senate announced its one-house budget proposal:

“The Senate Majority Conference’s one-house budget proposal reflects a commitment to lowering costs for working families while asking the ultra-wealthy to pay their fair share. By advancing responsible revenue raisers, we are ensuring New York can continue investing in the communities and services that Capital Region residents and our most vulnerable rely on every day.

I’m particularly pleased to see strong support for the City of Albany, including $35 million in total aid and targeted investments that strengthen our Capital Region’s core. This proposal includes $1 million to advance the Harriman State Office Campus Master Plan, which will help to jumpstart the reimagining of Albany’s ‘uptown parking lot district’.

As Senate Disabilities Chair, I am thrilled to see a 4% inflationary increase for providers and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), who are the backbone of our disability care system, supporting tens of thousands of New Yorkers living with disabilities and their families every day. I’m also pleased to see the inclusion of $500,000 for SUNY Albany’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, and increased tuition rates for 853 schools to help offset inflationary costs.

The Senate plan also prioritizes affordability statewide by investing $200 million in energy relief programs and strengthening oversight of utilities so that New Yorkers are protected from high costs while we continue the transition to a clean energy economy.

I’m pleased to see pre-kindergarten transportation become eligible for state aid, which will allow more districts to implement pre-k programs across the Capital Region, and to see barriers removed for independent students who are accessing the state’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).

While this proposal makes important progress, I remain concerned that it does not address needed reforms related to the Office of Court Administration’s authority to withhold capital funds from municipalities, as they have previously done in the City of Schenectady. Ensuring fairness and transparency for municipalities must remain part of the final budget negotiations.

As massive federal cuts, tariffs, and the economic energy upheaval from attacks on Iran continue, New Yorkers, their pocketbooks, and their families will ultimately be the ones to pay at the pump and elsewhere. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Senate, the Assembly, and Governor Hochul to build on these priorities and deliver a final budget that supports Albany, protects working families, and strengthens communities across New York.”

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