Budget deficit looms as state legislative session begins

State lawmakers are convening for this year’s legislative session starting today, and there’s one issue sure to dominate discussions: the state budget. 

New York faces a nearly $15 billion budget gap this year, which Gov. Andrew Cuomo hopes to plug, in part, with federal aid. That aid has yet to appear, though Cuomo has expressed hopes that President-elect Joe Biden will push the ask through Congress. But even with more federal support, it’s likely that spending cuts and tax increases will still be needed to address the deficit. 

For nonprofits that receive state funding, the possibility of cuts remains an open question. The state has been temporarily withholding funds from localities and nonprofits for months, which could potentially translate into permanent reductions this year. That could hurt not only organizations, but also the communities they serve. A survey conducted by New York Disability Advocates found that 80 percent of providers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are concerned that cuts from the state would force them to get rid of programs and services.