CapCon: What lawmakers want in the state budget, This Week in New York History

Plus, prosecutors and defenders team up for an Albany push, New York considers universal free school lunches, and more.

Good afternoon — it’s Monday, and Johnny Appleseed Day.

MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2024

TODAY’S CAPCON: One-house budgets are on the way, we’ll tell you what we know; prosecutors and defense attorneys are teaming up for an Albany push; New York may give free school meals to all students; This Week in New York History & more

🔨 Is Tomorrow a Session Day? Yes.

☁️ Tonight’s Weather: Albany: Mostly clear with wind, low 30s New York City: Mostly clear, high 30s (National Weather Service)

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File Photo (Will Waldron/Times Union)

🗒️ One-house budgets expected tonight, kicking off negotiations

💰 At some point this evening, Democrats who control the state Senate and Assembly are expected to introduce their one-house budgets, kicking off formal negotiations on this year’s state budget.

Lawmakers are planning to dig in their heels on at least a few items Gov. Kathy HOCHUL proposed in January, when she unveiled her budget proposal.

I’ll go through a few of them, and tell you what we know.

🔨 Housing: Hochul couldn’t strike a deal with the Legislature last year to expand housing growth across the state, but they’re expected to try again this year.

Democrats in the Senate plan to include an expansive housing package in their one-house budget that includes strategies to boost supply while empowering tenants, a source familiar with the details said.