ALBANY -- In spite of Governor Cuomo's threats to shutdown state government, legislative leaders were optimistic Thursday that the bones of a budget deal could be hammered out as soon as Friday.
Education activists delivered 40K postcards from teachers and students to Andrew Cuomo's office at the Capitol today in a political Hail Mary pass.
Actually, time is running short. While both house budgets restored money to schools, without a millionaire's tax to pay for it, education restorations may only reach about $280 million. And the Senate Majority Leader assured reporters today that the Millionaires tax is dead.
Sources tell the Capitol Report that the millionaires tax is indeed off the table.
Despite the Governor's tough talk over recent days, both leaders appeared optimistic about a deal…
Friday is critical if they want to print budget bills over the weekend. Speaker Silver is an Orthodox Jew who "keeps" the Sabbath -- so negotiations will take a hiatus after sundown on Friday. So time is short, and legislative leaders are being vague about the loose ends they will have to tie up… like rent regulation...caps on Medical Malpractice Awards…and education money..
As for why the Governor would publically challenge the legislative leaders, one veteran lawmaker said the numbers tell the story. Governor, 77% approval. Legislature – not even close.
