NY lawmakers poised to pass $237B state budget, including extension of mayoral control of NYC schools

Lawmakers in Albany are poised to pass a $237 billion state budget Saturday, including an extension of Mayor Eric Adams’ oversight of New York City schools.

The state spending plan, the largest in New York’s history, includes a massive housing package, improved pension benefits, crackdowns on illicit pot shops and retail theft and a deal to extend mayoral control of schools for two years.

The extension comes with some caveats for Adams.

Hizzoner will have to prove any additional state funds for education go to city schools — and aren’t used to plug budgetary holes elsewhere.

“For the next two years, New Yorkers can expect mayoral accountability to include a funded and actionable plan to reduce class sizes,” state Sen. John Liu (D-Queens), the upper chamber’s head on New York City schools said in a statement.

“This two year extension grants the mayor the accountability he’s been asking for, and we are pleased to note our agreement includes a significant commitment to expanding the NYC capital plan by $2 billion in order to provide our school kids a sound, basic education and reduce class sizes.”