Statement from Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan on Enacted FY 2024-25 New York State Budget

ALBANY, NY - "The recently-enacted FY 2024-25 New York State Budget makes it clear our partners in State government are listening to our communities and making critical investments for our residents.

"As President of the New York Conference of Mayors, I am proud this is a State Budget that provides an additional $50 million in unrestricted state aid for cities, villages, and towns - the first increase in 15 years. As Mayor of the City of Albany, I am proud that means more money to help keep police officers and firefighters on our streets, tackle the climate crisis, and make much-needed repairs to our roads, sidewalks, and parks.

"This is a budget that supports SNUG and other proven gun violence prevention programs that helped reduce shootings by approximately 30% in 2023. This is a budget that helps small businesses fight organized retail theft and empowers municipalities to close illegal dispensaries. This is a budget that expands protections for tenants and raises the income threshold for low- and middle-class students seeking TAP grants that help make the dream of higher education possible. This is a budget that creates additional workforce opportunities in the South End by further investing in MAPP and helps public entities attract new employees by improving the Tier 6 pension plan. This is a budget that supports the hospitality industry and our small businesses by continuing alcohol-to-go. And this is a budget that makes critical investments in swimming pools across New York State as well as the New York State Museum and Palace Theatre.

"In addition to those important investments, this budget once again includes the City of Albany's $15 million request for Capital City Funding - making it clear New York State agrees Albany is treated like no other city. While I am disappointed Capital City Funding has not been made permanent, I remain committed to working with Governor Hochul and our partners in the Senate and Assembly to right this historic wrong once and for all.

"None of these investments would be possible without the continued support of Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Neil Breslin, Assemblymember Patricia Fahy, and Assemblymember John McDonald. I am so thankful to our Governor and our Capital City Delegation for their advocacy and helping ensure we are an Albany for all - powered by pride and potential - for years to come."

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