As state budget deadline nears, some items may fall off the table
Albany -- A measure to crack down on sexual harassment in government and the private sector appeared to remain in the 2018-19 budget package on Monday, while several other high-profile initiatives may be put aside and addressed after the April 1 deadline, according to legislative staffers and others close to the budget talks.
Also staying in place is a wide-ranging plan to allow employers to increase payroll taxes they pay – which would help employees deal with the new $10,000 limit on federal deductibility of state and local taxes. While complicated, supporters said the plan is voluntary.
Tougher gun control laws that would keep those facing domestic violence charges from buying weapons, though, may have to wait until the budget is done. Criminal justice reforms such as eliminating cash bail for people charged with minor crimes and discussion of a Child Victims Act that would make it easier to sue pedophiles also are possibly stalled.
Holding off on bail reform was greeted with dismay by The Legal Aid Society amid fears that Senate Republicans might block the measure if it’s not in the budget.
Read more: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/As-budget-nears-some-items-may-fall-off-the-table-12782702.php