Pre-K funding fight causes break in NY budget talks
ALBANY— The Legislature’s top Republican hastily left budget negotiations Friday complaining that there has been too much emphasis on New York City and Mayor Bill de Blasio when it comes to prekindergarten funding.
“So far as I’m concerned, we have a problem right now,” Senate Majority co-leader Dean Skelos said as he left the closed-door meeting. Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders are trying to reach a budget agreement by the April 1 deadline.
“From the very beginning, I’ve indicated that I’m looking to have balance throughout the state when it comes to tax cuts, when it comes to education aid, and it seems that certain members in the room that represent another branch, their only concern is about New York City and Mayor de Blasio,” said Skelos, a Long Island Republican.