State Approves $269 Billion Budget How They Voted Auto insurance Childcare Education Environmental Immigration enforcement Public safety Utilities

Highlands Current Audio Stories · May 31, 2026 · 11m

Includes rebate checks, retiree changes Teachers in the Beacon, Haldane and Garrison school districts, waiters at Highlands eateries and millions who filed income tax returns in 2024 are among the winners in a newly enacted $269 billion state budget that also seeks to reduce auto insurance rates and utility costs. After several contentious issues delayed passage of the budget for nearly two months past the April 1 start of the fiscal year, Gov. Kathy Hochul and state legislators finalized a 2026-27 spending plan on May 28. The budget is 10 bills passed by the Senate and Assembly on May 26 and…