Free College Tuition for Middle Class New Yorkers
Begins in Fall 2017
The first-in-the-nation plan will be phased in over three years, beginning for New Yorkers making up to $100,000 annually in the fall of 2017, increasing to $110,000 in 2018, and reaching $125,000 in 2019.
Alleviating the Burden of Student Loans
Making New York State's public universities tuition-free will alleviate the financial stresses of student loans and put more New Yorkers on a path to financial security.
Promotes On-Time Completion
The Excelsior Scholarship Program will encourage more students to graduate on time and will grow the number of graduates from our public universities.
Strengthening the Middle Class
Reducing Property Taxes
By requiring counties to find efficiences for real taxpayer savings, the Budget continues the Governor's efforts to relieve the property tax burden for New Yorkers.
Child Care Tax Credit
The Budget enacts an enhanced middle class child care tax credit that will help more than 200,000 middle-class families make their child care more affordable.
Record $25.8 Billion Education Investment
The 4.4% increase to Education Aid includes funding for pre-k and after school programs, and helps give students access to high-quality learning across the state.
About the FY 2018 Budget
State Operating Funds spending $98.1 billion in FY 2018 – an increase of 2 percent. (State Operating Funds exclude Federal funds and capital).
Begins Middle Class Tax Cut – saving taxpayers $250 on average next year, and 6 million New Yorkers $700 annually when fully effective.
Increases Education Aid by $1.1 billion, including a $700 million increase in Foundation Aid, bringing the new Education Aid total to $25.8 billion or an increase of 4.4 percent.
Invests $2.5 billion in the Clean Water Infrastructure Act.
Supports and expands New York State’s historic $100 billion infrastructure program. 
Delivers $2.5 billion in funding to advance the creation or preservation of 100,000 affordable and 6,000 supportive housing units.The New York Promise
Raise the Age: Criminal Justice Reform
Raising the age of juvenile delinquency to 18-years-old ensures that young people who commit non-violent crimes receive the intervention and evidence-based treatment they need.
Liberty Defense Project
The Budget invests $10M to establish the nation's first legal defense fund to ensure all immigrants, regardless of residency status, have access to representation.
Cutting Soaring Prescription Drugs Costs
To protect our most vulnerable, New York becomes the first state in the nation to cap the growth of prescription drug spending in the Medicaid program.
Investing in Jobs & Infrastructure
Ridesharing Services Now Available Upstate
The Budget authorizes Transportation Network Companies, such as Uber and Lyft, to operate across New York and creates uniform licensing standards.
Protecting Our Drinking Water
The $2.5 billion Clean Water Infrastructure Act will overhaul New York's aging water infrastructure systems and ensure current and future New Yorkers have access to clean water.
The Empire State Trail
The 750-mile trail will provide new opportunities for hiking and biking along scenic vistas and through charming, historic communities.
SHARE