Hochul Finally Signs $268.5 Billion State Spending Plan

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed New York’s $268.5 billion budget, which includes pension boosts, expanded free childcare in New York City, and weakened climate goals. The budget, signed eight weeks late, secures legislative victories for Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani but faces criticism from environmental advocates and fiscal watchdogs over reduced climate targets and a $17 billion structural fiscal gap.