As the week’s session ends, state budget talks hit an optimistic note

This week had a slow start in Albany, even with the state budget deadline approaching in a matter of days, but it ended on a cautiously optimistic tone.

The main point of contention in this year’s budget is Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposal to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, by 2018 downstate and 2021 statewide. It has faced steep opposition from state Senate Republicans, but negotiations appear to be advancing.

“I would very clearly say the New York State Senate Republicans have supported increases in the minimum wage in the past, as long as they are vetted and negotiated,” state Senate Majority Leader John Flanagantold The Buffalo News after leaving a meeting with the governor early on Wednesday afternoon. “We’re not averse it, but the details in this instance are extremely important.”

Both Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Flanagan confirmed to reporters that a slower phase-in of the minimum wage, tax breaks for small businesses and a different minimum wage hike for upstate are being considered. A deal that would abolish the governor’s power to convene a wage board is also being considered.

“We’ve had very positive conversations, but in this place nothing is done until it’s done,” Heastie told reporters at midday Wednesday after meeting with his conference. “Because we’re still discussing, I don’t want to give away where we are, because the things are so fluid. But I’m very encouraged by the conversations.”

Heastie and Flanagan also confirmed that ethics reform will not be included as part of this year’s budget.

The legislative session is not scheduled to start back up until Monday, but a spokesperson for Flanagan said the Senate leader planned to be around Albany for “a while longer” this week. Staffers will continue to work partly throughout the weekend, though they will have Sunday off due to the Easter holiday.

Spokesmen for both Heastie and Flanagan could not confirm whether there would be leaders meetings over the weekend.

State Senate Finance Committee Chairwoman Catharine Young stressed there was not yet a deal.

“Discussions are continuing on the budget, in general, and on the minimum wage. We don’t have any decision as of yet,” she told reporters earlier on Wednesday. “We’re still pushing for an on-time budget, that’s incredibly important to the people of New York State and we’ll see what happens.”