Assembly Member Khaleel M. Anderson and the Assembly Majority have passed the 2021-22 State Budget, announcing a $212 billion budget that will put the pressing needs of working-class New Yorkers forward. The budget is a critical step towards economic recovery for all New Yorkers – the historic wins for our communities here in Assembly District 31 are many, but many more progressive revenue raisers and investments are needed.

“Our state legislature has voted on revenue that is unprecedented in its scope compared to budgets of recent history, and there is much to celebrate thanks to the tireless leadership of organizations, community leaders and activists throughout the state,” Assembly Member Anderson said. "At the same time, many long-standing inequities that could have been addressed in the budget have remained, and I am dedicated to working to push for solutions to difficult circumstances faced by our communities particularly exacerbated amid the COVID-19 pandemic. I commend Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for their leadership in passing a budget that supports the needs of our communities and their commitment to the work ahead.”

Some of the highlights of the budget include:

• COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program: Provides $800 million in grant funding for small businesses including for-profit arts and cultural institutions impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• A state rent relief program allocation of $2.4 billion that pays up to one year of arrears and three months of prospective rent.
• $1.4 billion in Foundation Aid funding to public schools and the full phase-in of Foundation Aid over three years.
• Directs $2.3 Billion in Federal Child Care Resources to Expand Availability, Quality and Affordability of Child Care Across the State
• A $2.1 billion program to provide cash payments to workers who have suffered income loss due to COVID but who are ineligible for Unemployment Insurance or related Federal benefits due to their immigration status or other factors
• Enhanced Quality of Care at Nursing Homes with Patient-Centered Reforms
• $18 million dollars allocated to My Brother’s Keeper programs across the state.
• Benefits for homeowners and small landlords.
  • The Legislature provides $25 million for the vacant property program to renovate vacant and blighted homes to create affordable housing for first-time homebuyers.
  • The Legislature appropriates $600 million in federal funding for homeownership relief, including $60 million to provide for three years of the Homeowner Protection.
• $10 million in funding allocated to combat gun violence.
• $200 million for capital needs investments for NYCHA across the city. 
• Environmental Investments including $500,000 for an environmental health study on the impact of NYC airports.
• Restoration of $542 million in Medicaid cuts, including $204.4 million for hospitals.
• Early retirement incentive:
  • The Legislature includes the proposal that would authorize the City of New York and the New York City Board of Education to elect to establish a temporary early retirement incentive program which would offer additional service credit of up to 3 additional years of service credit (Part A), or an age 55/ 25 years of service age reduction waiver (Part B) to employees.