ALBANY, N.Y. -- For the second time in a row, the state legislature passes this year's $132.5 billion budget early.
Lawmakers were in the chambers early Friday to begin voting on seven remaining bills that comprise the next state budget. The budget included an increase in funding for SUNY and CUNY community colleges as well as a 10 percent increase in public assistance grants.
Dean Skelos, Senate Majority Leader said, “This is truly historic that we passed two budgets in row not just on time but early. In the daylight. And the fact that we are doing this without raising any taxes or fees."
The Brooklyn delegation was able to sneak by a last minute deal to keep funding for Kingsboro Psychiatric Center which was slated to close.