Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $254 billion state budget framework, resolving a month-long deadlock primarily focused on public safety initiatives. The agreed plan includes significant measures for handling psychiatric crises in public areas, adjustments to evidence discovery processes for defendants, and a new ban on cellphones in schools. Hochul's push for tighter mask mandates was partly curtailed due to civil liberties concerns. The resolution emphasizes collaboration despite earlier political tensions, particularly as it aligns with priorities of local leaders like Mayor Eric Adams.
"We worked through some really challenging issues... We refused to be drawn into the toxic, divisive politics of the moment," said the governor.
The changes related to criminal justice and mental health were major priorities of Mayor Eric Adams and district attorneys from New York City.
Despite the new budget agreement, amendments on the restriction of wearing masks were reduced due to concerns over selective enforcement and civil liberties.
The budget deal includes removing individuals in psychiatric crisis from public spaces and easing discovery requirements for criminal defendants in pretrial phases.
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