Five weeks past the April 1 deadline, Gov. Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature finalized a $254 billion budget on Thursday, May 8. Highlights affecting DC 37 members include:

CHILD CARE TAX CREDIT

Increases the credit from $330 per child to $1,000 for children up to four years old and to $500 for children between ages 4 and 16.

COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT (COLA) FOR DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS UNDER OPWDD

Includes a 2.6% inflationary increase for human service employers in the not-for-profit sectors. However, language to ensure that a specific percentage would be used for wage increases and benefit improvements was not included.

EDUCATION

Extends the full-day pre-kindergarten program through June 30, 2026. Bans smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day. The budget also includes $340 million to provide free school lunch for grades K-12 and increases school Foundation Aid by $1.4 billion for the 2025-2026 school year.

INFLATION REBATE CHECKS

Provides a $200 tax credit for single filers earning under $75,000 and $150 for earners between $75,000-$150,000. The figures double for those married and filing jointly.

PENSIONS

The union successfully fought back changes to the pension system that would threaten the viability of members’ pensions.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION SPECIALISTS (SAPIS)

Dedicates $2 million to SAPIS funding.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFIT INCREASE

Transfers $8 billion to the state’s unemployment trust fund. This increases the maximum benefit to $869 a week, up from $504.