×

Decisions on tuition, Uber and juvenile justice loom in Albany

ALBANY (AP) — Free state college tuition for middle-class students, the upstate expansion of Uber and Lyft and juvenile justice reforms are the top issues confronting state lawmakers as they seek a deal on the state budget.

Legislators hope to approve a spending plan by Saturday, the first day of the new state fiscal year.

Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the Republican-led Senate and the Democratic Assembly are in broad agreement on a call to increase tuition assistance. Cuomo prompted the discussion with a proposal to make state college tuition free for middle-class students.

The budget also could include a plan to allow ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft to expand into Buffalo, Rochester and other upstate cities. The Republican-led Senate and Cuomo agree on an expansion proposal; legislation in the Assembly would give local governments the right to regulate Uber and Lyft.

Democrats, meanwhile, are pushing to end the state’s practice of prosecuting 16- and 17-year-olds as adults. The Assembly and Cuomo support the idea, but Republicans in the Senate have expressed concerns about going soft on violent criminals.

Top lawmakers expressed optimism that negotiations could bear fruit before Saturday’s deadline.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.75/week.

Subscribe Today