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‘We Can’t Spend What We Don’t Have’: Virus Strikes N.Y. Budget ‘We Can’t Spend What We Don’t Have’: Virus Strikes N.Y. Budget
(3 days later)
ALBANY, N.Y. — With the coronavirus outbreak racing through the state, sickening thousands of New Yorkers each day and draining the state economy, the Legislature on Friday was forced to pass a $177 billion budget that was laden with uncertainties.ALBANY, N.Y. — With the coronavirus outbreak racing through the state, sickening thousands of New Yorkers each day and draining the state economy, the Legislature on Friday was forced to pass a $177 billion budget that was laden with uncertainties.
The state is expecting at least $10 billion less in tax revenue, a steep gap that officials are already hoping to bridge with federal aid, short-term loans and cuts. Reserves may also be tapped.The state is expecting at least $10 billion less in tax revenue, a steep gap that officials are already hoping to bridge with federal aid, short-term loans and cuts. Reserves may also be tapped.
The budget agreement, as it often does in New York, included an array of nonfiscal measures. They included modifications to last year’s bail reform law, which had eliminated bail for most misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies, and an end to a ban on gestational surrogacy.The budget agreement, as it often does in New York, included an array of nonfiscal measures. They included modifications to last year’s bail reform law, which had eliminated bail for most misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies, and an end to a ban on gestational surrogacy.
But little about the budget — from the raw numbers to the negotiations leading to the agreement — was typical.But little about the budget — from the raw numbers to the negotiations leading to the agreement — was typical.
The virus has infected five lawmakers and has reordered legislative priorities and the power dynamics in the Capitol. This year, deals were discussed via phone or video conference, with lawmakers only returning to the ornate chambers of the Senate and the Assembly to vote.The virus has infected five lawmakers and has reordered legislative priorities and the power dynamics in the Capitol. This year, deals were discussed via phone or video conference, with lawmakers only returning to the ornate chambers of the Senate and the Assembly to vote.
Some did not even do that, as rules were changed to allow them to vote from their offices. The Senate passed the budget on Thursday; the Assembly followed suit on Friday following hours of debate that dragged on until 3:38 a.m.Some did not even do that, as rules were changed to allow them to vote from their offices. The Senate passed the budget on Thursday; the Assembly followed suit on Friday following hours of debate that dragged on until 3:38 a.m.
But the biggest difference was dealing with the expected loss of tax revenues, estimated at somewhere between $10 billion and $15 billion.But the biggest difference was dealing with the expected loss of tax revenues, estimated at somewhere between $10 billion and $15 billion.
With many businesses shut down and the state bracing for a cash flow crunch, lawmakers agreed to approve billions of dollars in borrowing to pay off future expenses, necessitating a temporary waiver to a legal debt cap meant to control levels of borrowing.With many businesses shut down and the state bracing for a cash flow crunch, lawmakers agreed to approve billions of dollars in borrowing to pay off future expenses, necessitating a temporary waiver to a legal debt cap meant to control levels of borrowing.
“We can’t spend what we don’t have,” said Mr. Cuomo, who called the spending plan “a tough, tough budget” for everyone involved.“We can’t spend what we don’t have,” said Mr. Cuomo, who called the spending plan “a tough, tough budget” for everyone involved.
In recognition that the state’s financial outlook may worsen, lawmakers gave the governor a one-year window to unilaterally cut spending if warranted.In recognition that the state’s financial outlook may worsen, lawmakers gave the governor a one-year window to unilaterally cut spending if warranted.
Many of Mr. Cuomo’s and the Legislature’s pre-coronavirus priorities were left out of the budget for the coming fiscal year, which began on Wednesday.Many of Mr. Cuomo’s and the Legislature’s pre-coronavirus priorities were left out of the budget for the coming fiscal year, which began on Wednesday.
Efforts to expand protections for workers in the gig economy did not materialize. Measures to allow the sale of alcohol in movie theaters unraveled. And marijuana legalization, which failed to pass last year, also fell by the wayside.Efforts to expand protections for workers in the gig economy did not materialize. Measures to allow the sale of alcohol in movie theaters unraveled. And marijuana legalization, which failed to pass last year, also fell by the wayside.
“Too much, too little time,” Mr. Cuomo said on Tuesday when asked about the possibility of reaching a deal to legalize recreational marijuana, which the governor has said could bring in about $300 million in annual tax revenue.“Too much, too little time,” Mr. Cuomo said on Tuesday when asked about the possibility of reaching a deal to legalize recreational marijuana, which the governor has said could bring in about $300 million in annual tax revenue.
But lawmakers did strike a deal with the governor to alter last year’s landmark bail reform, which had come under fire from law enforcement officials and Republicans. They argued that the law — which eliminated bail for defendants charged with most nonviolent offenses and misdemeanors — was overly permissive and was already threatening public safety.But lawmakers did strike a deal with the governor to alter last year’s landmark bail reform, which had come under fire from law enforcement officials and Republicans. They argued that the law — which eliminated bail for defendants charged with most nonviolent offenses and misdemeanors — was overly permissive and was already threatening public safety.
The new modifications will keep cash bail but also expand the roster of serious crimes under which judges could still set bail for defendants to include offenses like sex trafficking and grand larceny, as well for certain persistent offenders.The new modifications will keep cash bail but also expand the roster of serious crimes under which judges could still set bail for defendants to include offenses like sex trafficking and grand larceny, as well for certain persistent offenders.
Lawmakers also passed one of Mr. Cuomo’s top priorities: structural changes to reduce billions in spending on the state’s growing Medicaid program, which the governor blamed for helping to create a projected $6 billion budget gap before the coronavirus outbreak hit New York.Lawmakers also passed one of Mr. Cuomo’s top priorities: structural changes to reduce billions in spending on the state’s growing Medicaid program, which the governor blamed for helping to create a projected $6 billion budget gap before the coronavirus outbreak hit New York.
The budget lifted a ban on paid gestational surrogacy, which failed to gain support in 2019 following opposition from some feminist and religious groups who argued that it commodified a woman’s body and would lead to the exploitation of poor women.The budget lifted a ban on paid gestational surrogacy, which failed to gain support in 2019 following opposition from some feminist and religious groups who argued that it commodified a woman’s body and would lead to the exploitation of poor women.
The legislation includes language requiring that surrogates have access to health care and legal counsel paid by the parents, as well as the right to decide whether to continue or terminate a pregnancy.The legislation includes language requiring that surrogates have access to health care and legal counsel paid by the parents, as well as the right to decide whether to continue or terminate a pregnancy.
The environment was once again a hallmark of the budget: An act to leverage $3 billion in bonds to address environmental issues around the state was approved, as was a ban on single-use foam food containers, which are not biodegradable and difficult to recycle.The environment was once again a hallmark of the budget: An act to leverage $3 billion in bonds to address environmental issues around the state was approved, as was a ban on single-use foam food containers, which are not biodegradable and difficult to recycle.
That provision was attacked as a job-killer by the American Chemistry Council, a major trade group for chemical companies, which noted that restaurants are now limited to takeout and delivery services. (The ban does not take effect until 2022.)That provision was attacked as a job-killer by the American Chemistry Council, a major trade group for chemical companies, which noted that restaurants are now limited to takeout and delivery services. (The ban does not take effect until 2022.)
The measure followed a ban on single-use plastic bags passed last year that was supposed to go into effect March 1, but won’t be enforced until at least May 15 because of the outbreak.The measure followed a ban on single-use plastic bags passed last year that was supposed to go into effect March 1, but won’t be enforced until at least May 15 because of the outbreak.
Updated June 5, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Legislators also legalized electric scooters and bicycles, a reversal of Mr. Cuomo’s veto of similar legislation late last year because he had safety and implementation concerns.Legislators also legalized electric scooters and bicycles, a reversal of Mr. Cuomo’s veto of similar legislation late last year because he had safety and implementation concerns.
There were no new taxes on the ultrarich, a measure many liberals had clamored for, but lawmakers approved an expansion of sick leave and a ban on flavored vaping products.There were no new taxes on the ultrarich, a measure many liberals had clamored for, but lawmakers approved an expansion of sick leave and a ban on flavored vaping products.
Mr. Cuomo, enjoying a surge of popularity as a result of his handling of the coronavirus, also managed to include a measure to increase ballot requirements for third parties, after the state’s highest court struck down the commission that established such rules.Mr. Cuomo, enjoying a surge of popularity as a result of his handling of the coronavirus, also managed to include a measure to increase ballot requirements for third parties, after the state’s highest court struck down the commission that established such rules.
The move was decried by a number of third parties, including the Working Families Party, which accused the governor of “using the pandemic to silence his opponents, expand his executive power and pursue an austerity agenda.”The move was decried by a number of third parties, including the Working Families Party, which accused the governor of “using the pandemic to silence his opponents, expand his executive power and pursue an austerity agenda.”
The budget’s financial concerns and modest social policies stood in stark contrast to last year’s budget, which Democrats packed with a slew of progressive priorities after regaining control of the Legislature for the first time in a decade.The budget’s financial concerns and modest social policies stood in stark contrast to last year’s budget, which Democrats packed with a slew of progressive priorities after regaining control of the Legislature for the first time in a decade.
Mr. Cuomo, a third-term Democrat, had prided himself on on-time budgets — 2017 was a notable exception — but as midnight drew near on Tuesday night, it became clear lawmakers would not reach an agreement by April 1, the beginning of the new fiscal year. They extended the marathon negotiating sessions and debates through Wednesday and into early Friday.Mr. Cuomo, a third-term Democrat, had prided himself on on-time budgets — 2017 was a notable exception — but as midnight drew near on Tuesday night, it became clear lawmakers would not reach an agreement by April 1, the beginning of the new fiscal year. They extended the marathon negotiating sessions and debates through Wednesday and into early Friday.
All throughout, the coronavirus cast a poignant shadow over the negotiations, even if the political jockeying into the early morning hours provided a sense of normalcy.All throughout, the coronavirus cast a poignant shadow over the negotiations, even if the political jockeying into the early morning hours provided a sense of normalcy.
The typically bustling State Capitol was closed to the public, including lobbyists who normally stalk the hallways as critical issues are being decided in back rooms. Missing were the chants from activists and the last-minute raucous protests.The typically bustling State Capitol was closed to the public, including lobbyists who normally stalk the hallways as critical issues are being decided in back rooms. Missing were the chants from activists and the last-minute raucous protests.
In their place, however, was raw emotion: In a closing speech in the Senate, the minority leader, John J. Flanagan, wept as he spoke about his Republican colleague, James Seward, a central New York state senator, who has been hospitalized with the infection.In their place, however, was raw emotion: In a closing speech in the Senate, the minority leader, John J. Flanagan, wept as he spoke about his Republican colleague, James Seward, a central New York state senator, who has been hospitalized with the infection.
“My heart breaks as I speak about him, because there’s tens of thousands of Jim Sewards in New York at this very moment,” said Mr. Flanagan, a Republican from Long Island.“My heart breaks as I speak about him, because there’s tens of thousands of Jim Sewards in New York at this very moment,” said Mr. Flanagan, a Republican from Long Island.
Despite the cuts in spending, Mr. Cuomo lavished praise on the Legislature for agreeing on a budget in trying times, insisting that 2020 will be considered “as a productive legislative session as we’ve had.”Despite the cuts in spending, Mr. Cuomo lavished praise on the Legislature for agreeing on a budget in trying times, insisting that 2020 will be considered “as a productive legislative session as we’ve had.”
“It would have been very easy to say, ‘This is an extraordinary year. Let’s just do the bare minimum and go home,’” the governor said on Thursday. “You can put this budget against any budget that I have done in any normal year and it would be a great budget. That it was done this year is really extraordinary.”“It would have been very easy to say, ‘This is an extraordinary year. Let’s just do the bare minimum and go home,’” the governor said on Thursday. “You can put this budget against any budget that I have done in any normal year and it would be a great budget. That it was done this year is really extraordinary.”