By Karen DeWitt on North Country Public Radio, 22 September 2023.
Governor Hochul’s budget director called for a spending freeze due to a mounting deficit in New York State, stemming from the end of federal stimulus packages and decreased tax collections. Agencies are being asked to maintain current spending levels. AQE’s Executive Director, Jasmine Gripper, criticizes the freeze, warning of potential education and service cuts. Gripper instead urges the Education Department to prioritize meeting students’ needs. State agency budgets are due by October 11, with Hochul presenting the new budget in January.