State Senate Minority Leader talks New York State spending plan

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - - "The streaming tax. Is that in there? The Amazon delivery tax, is that in there? I don't understand that for sure."

State Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt said information remained slim from the state's conceptual 2024 Budget. We overtook Ortt Saturday early morning for his take on the tentative $229 billion contract.

Ortt stated he is pleased to see over $1 billion going toward mental health requirements. It includes the addition of 1,000 in-patient psychiatric beds statewide. Governor Kathy Hochul said it will likewise prohibit insurance companies from rejecting coverage for vital psychological health services.

" Too many individuals can't get the care they need and too long we've under bought psychological health," said Hochul.

The state will invest a record $34.5 billion on education. $134 million is being allocated totally free meals for low-income populations no matter household income. Ortt said it's still uncertain whether all districts will receive the funding or how districts will be picked. He worries rural districts, like the Lockport City School District, for instance, might get overlooked. "They're not a bad district but they're definitely not a wealthy district," said Ortt. "So, do they fall in that gap?"

It likewise stays to be seen how Western New York districts fared. School aid runs haven't yet been launched.

The budget also includes a first in the country statewide ban on natural gas in new building start in 2025. The proposition would not apply to existing homes.

" I'm really concerned about what it implies long term if we're going to move in that instructions," Ortt stated. What does it imply for the cost of new houses being built?"

The budget plan still requires last approval from the legislature. A vote is a rule of sorts since both the Assembly and the Senate are controlled by democrats. The vote is expected next week.

Ali Touhey is an anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in 2023. View more of her work here.