Hochul outlines $227 billion budget proposal with calls for ambitious programs, and caution for the future

Gov. Kathy Hochul released the state budget proposal on Wednesday, unveiling a record $227 billion plan focused on improving affordability in the state.

In her speech, she highlighted her ambitious plans to build 800,000 affordable homes over the next decade, a billion-dollar plan to improve mental health, and a plan to fight crime and the environment. I elaborated on the details of the plan.

Hochul’s proposed budget would increase spending by about 2.4% over last year.

New York posted an extraordinary surplus last year and again this year, but Hochul warned that the booming fiscal period could be coming to an end.

The main components of the proposed budget are:

• affordable housing: Ho-chul doubles down on aggressive plans to keep home prices down Build hundreds of thousands of new housing units However, few new details about the proposal have been revealed.

• Increased educational aid: A record $34.5 billion proposal will increase by $3.1 billion, or 10% above this year’s budget if approved by the Legislature. Dozens of educators, educational organizations and groups, including the board, have recommended similar increases in aid.

• Establishment of Semiconductor Industry Office: Hochul’s economic development proposal Take advantage of the growth of the semiconductor industry Steadily raise the minimum wage in line with rising prices.

• New Funding for Volunteer Fire Brigade: Hochul Proposed $10 million investment Assist in the training, recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.

Who killed Monsignor? Traveling to Bemus Point, fingerprinting and interviewing a capricious priest: Day 12: A six-page account of an interview dated March 26, 1966, is one of the most compelling reports in the case file of the murder of Monsignor Frances J. O’Connor. read more

[Catch up on the series: Who killed the monsignor? Exploring the murder of Monsignor Francis J. O’Connor, its investigation and its legacy]

A woman charged with driving a police officer during Buffalo protests pleads on the eve of her trial: Deyanna J. Davis, 33, pleaded guilty Wednesday. After over a year of delayDavis admitted to recklessly injuring trooper Ronald L. Ensminger Jr. while walking through a police blockade during a 2020 racial justice protest by the Bailey Avenue police station. . read more

India Walton has announced its bid for a seat on the Buffalo Common Council. Walton, who scored a stunning victory in the mayoral primary against Mayor Byron Brown in 2021 and lost the general election, is now Ulysses O. Wingo Sr. read more

A federal judge upholds an order banning cannabis sales in five state territories, including WNY. This ruling means, at least for now, that the injunction will continue to prevent the state from issuing clinic licenses to applicants in the West New York, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mid-Hudson and Brooklyn areas. . read more

Prison Release of Terrorist Who Killed Buffalo Natives Called ‘Infuriating’: Rep. Brian Higgins has denounced the reported release of the man convicted of killing Buffalo native John Glanville in 2008. He was released from prison in Sudan on Monday. read more

Celebrate Black History Month with exhibits, stories and galas. Here are some events in the Buffalo area that recognize and celebrate black culture and contributions throughout February. read more

Rod Watson: Remember ‘Regionalism’? Unfortunately, our leader: The controversy over the city’s response to December’s blizzard is just a sign of a failure to recognize Buffalo’s central role (both problematic and promised) in determining the fate of the region. This shows that we have yet to break through the boundaries, either on the map or in people’s minds. read more

Moog is planning a $77 million expansion at its Elma campus. The proposed expansion would add a 150,000-square-foot building to Moog’s campus, primarily to support an aircraft group. Moog is seeking up to $2 million in sales tax incentives from the Erie County Industrial Development Agency, as well as unspecified property tax savings, the largest portion of the overall incentive package. read more

Neighbors have criticized Clarence’s Transit Road Bevilacqua project over traffic concerns. Bevilacqua Development has been planning the project for about four years now and will bring over 32 new buildings to the site, including apartments, townhomes and single-family homes. However, the project generated opposition from neighbors along Miles Road south of the project. They fear the influx of traffic from over 142 new housing units and the loss of the 36 acres of natural habitat behind the home. . read more

O’Cyrus Torrence’s country strength could fit the needs of Bills’ offensive line. The 23-year-old looks like a top guard available in this spring’s NFL Draft and could be a 29th overall contender for the Buffalo Bills. read more

Observation: A late start will ruin the Sabers’ chances of jumping into a playoff spot. The Sabers didn’t get off to an ugly start, losing 5–1 to the Hurricanes, officially ending the first half of the regular season. Teiji Thompson missed the third period due to an upper body injury. read more

Mike Harrington: The Sabers situation at home is complicated, both on the ice and in the stands. “How is this team solving the nasty attendee issues that were the talk of TNT’s national pre-game show? And what’s going on with this club’s home/road split? ?” Harrington wrote. read more

• The Buffalo Museum of Science, which took visitors back in time with its last major exhibit, “Antarctic Dinosaurs,” go headlong into the future This time with the exhibition “Reinventing reality.” A giant blue whale swimming near a sunken ship looks close enough to touch. Headset-wearing visitors will experience a virtual reality experience at the exhibit, which opens Saturday. check out our photos A state of the traveling exhibition.

• Bad weather can wreak havoc on aging buildings. Brianne Roesser of Spectrum News 1 speaks with local experts on how engineers work to ensure the integrity of Historic monuments in western New York.

• “In the darkest part of the season, nature heals the doldrums of winter.” WGRZ’s Terry Belke said:He mentions birds, saying they can “bring color and joy” to dull days. Belke talks about the benefits of being an experienced birder. feed the birds during the winter.

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