Internet asks Kathy Hochul to ‘resign’ as NY state budget talks drag on with limited consensus on Governor’s housing plan

WASHINGTON, DC: The New York state budget talks are expected to continue this week in Albany, as legislators maintain their positive outlook amid indications of limited consensus on significant matters like housing, according to the New York Post.

Notably, Governor Kathy Hochul is pursuing a significant legislative package aimed at increasing housing development in the Empire State. However, the program becomes increasingly dubious as doubts arise over its specifics and officials surpass the budget's April 1 deadline.

Budget talks to take place despite little clear agreement on housing plan

A statement issued last week by several building trades groups said that side talks with the influential Real Estate Board of New York had practically come to a standstill.

Notably, to incentivize developers to increase the supply of affordable housing, labor and REBNY are discussing labor standards, including a basic salary for workers. This is part of a renewal and replacement of an outdated tax-incentive system.

The joint statement reads in-part, "Both sides must compromise, and we have offered significant concessions, so have housing advocates. All REBNY has offered us is scraps."

In response, REBNY released a statement urging more talks. The labor discussions are essential to a housing deal since the amount that developers must eventually pay workers as part of the agreement will determine the tax incentive's final benefit. Albany has chosen to remain neutral for the time being.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the majority leader in the Senate, dismissed the notion of intervening to mediate a settlement between REBNY and the construction trades stating, "It would be premature, as far as I’m concerned."

She added, "I won’t be overreacting to this. I think we’re all going to keep our heads down and try to get everybody at the table to come to something that will benefit our grand desires for building and supporting housing."

However, state Senate Finance Committee Chair Liz Krueger, who is Stewart-Cousins' chief deputy for budget, stated on Thursday, March 28, that Albany has to take action.

Krueger informed reporters in a Capitol hallway, "Yes, I actually think if this is going to be a government program, the government should be at the table."

Internet slams Kathy Hochul for not-so-clear agreement on housing plan

Several people on the Internet took a jibe at Kathy Hochul for no clear agreement on the housing plan.

A user wrote on X, "The one thing she knows plenty about - drag."

While one added, "(Drag) Huchul’s housing plan is going nowhere, consider the source."

A person also wrote, "Resign Hochul", whereas one mentioned, "Focus on bail reform or we know who's your boss."

A person also added, "Hochul Bragg and Adams - blood on their hands."

A user also stated, "It takes time figuring out how to make the state less safe."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.