New York state budget snags linger

[TexasTowelie]

Albany -- Assemblyman John McDonald noticed "the budget stench" Friday when the Cohoes Democrat arrived at the state Capitol. The smell of unwashed suits, unshowered people, half-eaten pizzas and soggy Chinese food had begun to fill the hallways.

But one scent that didn't permeate the air: That of freshly printed budget bills.

With the midnight deadline to approve a new state budget before the beginning of the new fiscal year rapidly approaching, the state Assembly and Senate pressed on late into the night, even if they did not have bill language to digest or the ability to quickly vote on a $150 billion-plus spending plan for the new fiscal year.

Shortly after 11 p.m., Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan put his thumb and forefinger millimeters apart and said "we're this close." Late numbers coming out included at least $2 billion for water infrastructure, at least $1 billion more for education and setting up a $163 million college affordability plan.

Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Whipsawing-in-Capitol-as-new-budget-awaited-11042601.php