Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie makes bombshell bid to reduce Gov. Hochul’s power in NY budget negotiations

New York Post - Apr 9th, 2025
Open on New York Post

State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has introduced a bill aimed at reducing Governor Kathy Hochul's leverage in New York's budget talks. The bill, proposed amid disagreements over Hochul's policy demands, allows lawmakers to receive pay even if budget negotiations extend past the April 1 deadline. This move is a response to the governor's insistence on integrating non-budgetary policies, such as discovery law amendments and mental health measures, into the budget. Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris expressed frustration with the ongoing impasse, and Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins confirmed the stalemate.

The bill, yet to be reviewed by the state Senate, could face significant challenges, including potential veto from Hochul, requiring a two-thirds majority in both houses for an override. Heastie's proposal attempts to alleviate pressure on legislators, who currently forfeit pay during budget delays, unlike the governor. This legislative maneuver highlights tensions between the executive and legislative branches and underscores the broader implications for governance and policy-making in New York, especially regarding crime and mental health initiatives. Hochul's spokesperson emphasized the popularity of the governor's agenda among New Yorkers, suggesting that lawmakers should focus on passing the budget.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the budget negotiations between Carl Heastie and Kathy Hochul, effectively highlighting the political dynamics and policy issues at stake. It is timely and relevant, addressing a topic of significant public interest with potential implications for state governance and public policy.

While the article is largely accurate and clear, it could benefit from additional sourcing and verification of certain claims, particularly those related to public opinion and historical context. The inclusion of more diverse perspectives and independent analysis would enhance its balance and impact.

Overall, the article successfully informs readers about the complexities of New York's budget negotiations, but there is room for improvement in terms of source quality, transparency, and engagement. By addressing these areas, the article could provide a more nuanced and impactful analysis of the political landscape.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story is largely accurate in its depiction of the ongoing budget negotiations between Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Governor Kathy Hochul. It accurately reports that Heastie introduced a bill to allow lawmakers to continue receiving paychecks if budget talks extend beyond the April 1 deadline. This is a factual claim supported by the political context provided.

The article also accurately describes the impasse in budget negotiations due to disagreements over Hochul's policy demands, such as changes to discovery laws and involuntary commitment procedures. These are well-documented policy areas that have been contentious in New York's legislative discussions.

However, some claims require further verification, such as the assertion that Hochul's policy measures have "overwhelming support" from New Yorkers. This claim needs substantiation through public opinion polls or surveys to confirm its accuracy.

Overall, the article presents a factual account of the political situation, but some areas, particularly those involving public opinion and historical context, could benefit from additional sourcing or evidence.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the budget conflict, detailing the positions of both Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Governor Kathy Hochul. It provides direct quotes from multiple stakeholders, including Heastie, Hochul, and Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris, which helps present a range of perspectives.

However, the article could improve balance by including more perspectives from independent analysts or political commentators who could provide a more neutral assessment of the situation. Additionally, while Hochul's spokesperson is quoted, the article does not provide quotes from Heastie's spokesperson or supporters to counterbalance Hochul's stance.

The focus on Heastie's legislative maneuver and its implications is well-covered, but the piece could benefit from exploring how these political strategies affect broader public interests or the perspectives of other political entities, such as the state Senate or minority parties.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical progression of ideas that makes it easy to follow. It provides a coherent narrative of the budget negotiations and the political strategies employed by both Heastie and Hochul.

The use of direct quotes from key political figures enhances clarity by providing firsthand accounts of their positions and sentiments. The article also effectively contextualizes the budget impasse within the broader political landscape of New York.

However, some areas could be clarified further, such as the specific implications of Heastie's bill and how it would alter the dynamics of budget negotiations. Additionally, providing more background information on the policy issues at stake, such as discovery laws and involuntary commitment, would help readers unfamiliar with these topics understand their significance.

6
Source quality

The article relies primarily on statements from political figures involved in the budget negotiations, such as Carl Heastie, Kathy Hochul, and Andrea Stewart-Cousins. These are credible sources for the political events described, but they are inherently biased given their roles in the conflict.

The article could enhance its source quality by incorporating insights from political analysts or experts in New York state politics who can provide an independent perspective. Additionally, referencing public opinion data or historical legislative records would strengthen the article's credibility.

Overall, while the sources used are appropriate for the political nature of the story, the article would benefit from a broader range of voices and independent verification of claims, particularly those related to public opinion and legislative history.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear outline of the legislative and political context surrounding the budget negotiations, but it lacks transparency in terms of methodology and the basis for certain claims, such as public support for Hochul's policies.

The article does not disclose the sources of its information beyond quoting political figures, nor does it explain how it verified the claims made by these individuals. For example, the claim about public support for Hochul's policies is presented without referencing any specific polls or studies.

To improve transparency, the article could include information about how the reporter gathered the information, any potential conflicts of interest, and the methods used to verify claims. This would help readers understand the basis of the article's assertions and evaluate its reliability more effectively.

Sources

  1. https://advertising-newsandtimes.com
  2. https://www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2025/04/state-senate-leader-budget-negotiations-pause/404389/
  3. https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/politics/2025/04/01/state-budget-deadline-passes
  4. https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/politics/2025/04/07/n-y--lawmakers-return-to-albany-as-state-budget-deadline-nearly-a-week-late
  5. https://www.route-fifty.com/digital-government/2025/04/new-york-leaders-agree-school-cellphone-ban-rest-budget-remains-limbo/404332/