2024-25 State Budget Talks Have Started in Albany

Newly appointed State Budget Director Blake Washington has begun early conversations within the Hochul’s administration to prepare plans for next year's potentially $9.1 billion+ deficit. Washington was very respected in his prior role as a budget advisor in the State Assembly for many years. Washington’s hiring was seen by many as a way for Gov. Hochul to smooth over this year’s budget fight with the Assembly and Senate, both of which have Democratic supermajorities able to override potential vetoes. NYSAR has made clear that they will continue lobbying for new housing-related programs to be included in the Executive Budget proposal before it is unveiled in January 2024, including a first-time homebuyer savings account program and incentives for housing construction.