ALBANY, NY (Erie News Now)--Monday evening Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a conceptual agreement with legislative leaders on the New York State budget. The announcement comes two weeks after the budgets original deadline. 

“Now this budget is a blueprint for a safer, more affordable, more livable New York,” said Hochul. 

BACK IN JANUARY THE GOVERNOR UNVEILED HER $233 BILLION BUDGET PLAN, NEARLY THREE MONTHS LATER GOV. HOCHUL REVEALS THE BUDGET PLAN TOTALING at $237 BILLION.  

THROUGHOUT THE BUDGET NEGOTIATION PROCESS HOUSING, SPECIFICALLY TENANT PROTECTIONS, WAS ONE OF THE BIGGEST TOPICS AMONG OTHERS—AN ISSUE THAT SEEMS TO HAVE REACHED A RESOLUTION.  

“And I’m really proud that the fiscal year 2025 budget achieves what so many said was impossible—a transformative deal to reverse the downward spiral on housing stock all while protecting our tenants,” said Hochul. 

ELIZABETH FINE, COUNSEL TO THE GOVERNOR SAid THERE WILL BE A FRAMEWORK OF GOOD CAUSE EVICTION IN THE FINAL BUDGET PLAN THAT WOULD PROHIBIT EVICTION WITHOUT GOOD REASON AND RESTRICT LANDLORDS ON HOW MUCH THEY CAN INCREASE RENT.  

“It’s a great balance I think that we’re reaching both to protect small landlords and protect owner's rights but also to make sure that we have affordable housing in New York and that the housing stock stays in a reasonable rent range for New Yorkers,” said Fine. 

Lawmakers could potentially vote on the final budget plan later this week.