Cuomo's Budget Would Shift Some Costs to the City

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has presented a $145 billion budget for the fiscal year starting this spring.

He's calling for a number of policy changes, including new ethics reforms, raising the minimum wage and paid family leave, among others. The governor is also proposing a slew of new programs, with substantial investments in affordable housing, homeless services, and infrastructure.

The state is required to balance its budget, and the governor also wants to stay under a two percent spending cap — so he's identified some savings as well. Some of the largest savings come at the expense of New York City.

The budget calls on the city to pay more toward Medicaid and CUNY, line items that could add hundreds of millions of dollars to the city's budget this year and for years to come. Budget watchers say that could eat into the city's reserves for tougher times.

"I think it's bad policy. I think it's not fair," said E.J. McMahon, president of the Empire Center for Public Policy.

The Cuomo Administration said the city's finances are strong, and the state plans to spend a lot on the city through its new initiatives like affordable housing and infrastructure.

Speaking on WNYC's  the Brian Lehrer Show, Gov. Cuomo said his budget is a net gain for the city.

Mayor de Blasio said he'll be scrutinizing the details as the budget moves through the legislature.

"Obviously we want to make sure that the interests of New York City are protected and the resources that we need to provide health care and support students are there," he said.

The mayor will be presenting his budget next week.