ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The state budget for the 2026 fiscal year was signed after debates delayed its passage by over a month. The legislature was left with limited time to work on passing bills before the end of session on June 17.

This week on Empire State Weekly, Assemblymember Edward Ra, a Republican representing District 19, gave his reaction to the late state budget. He explained his belief that the budget does not leave the state in a strong position.

"We still have not put ourselves on a sustainable path forward. It was the largest percent increase year to year that we've had since the Great Recession in the late 2000s, and our recurring revenues and our recurring spending don't match up," Ra said. "And I don't think that was a responsible way to go about this budget, particular

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