2017 state legislative preview

The biggest question as the state legislative session gets underway is one that nobody in New York – not even Gov. Andrew Cuomo – has any control over: the actions of President Donald Trump.

Trump is intent on repealing Obamacare, which could slash federal funds for Medicaid and cost the state billions of dollars. The president’s nominee for education secretary, Betsy DeVos, might cut funding for public schools, while Dr. Ben Carson, the housing and urban development nominee, could reduce federal housing aid. Any of these moves might upend the governor’s tightly controlled budget process.

In Albany, the uncertainty is already setting up battles over Cuomo’s $152.3 billion budget proposal. One of the most contentious parts of the governor’s plan is to extend the so-called millionaire’s tax, which Republicans want to let expire and Democrats want to increase. Legislators are also seeking to capitalize on recent economic development scandals to win back more control over the flow of state dollars. And in 2017, Cuomo may find it harder to make deals with lawmakers after they failed to secure pay raises late last year.

The governor, meanwhile, is reframing the debate by positioning New York as a bulwark against Trump. He has rolled out a raft of progressive policies, notably increased aid for college tuition, an expanded child care tax credit and measures to protect the environment, workers and women.

City & State’s annual state legislative preview delves into all of these issues, and more, including criminal justice and ethics reform as well as big-ticket infrastructure projects.

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