Assemblywoman Larinda C. Hooks (D) has introduced bill A11090, the Automatic Utility Deferment Act, which would defer utility payments for New York State employees during budget-related payroll interruptions. The bill covers electric, gas, water, steam, and internet services, with repayment required within 12 months. Critics argue it primarily benefits lawmakers, who often face pay delays due to budget negotiations.
Assemblywoman Larinda C. Hooks represents District 35 in Queens. She has proposed bill number A11090, dubbed the "Automatic Utility Deferment Act.
" The New York state budget is weeks overdo. While some are working to get it finished, it seems others are proposing legislation which may only impact those who are supposed to be making the rules. , dubbed the "Automatic Utility Deferment Act.
" The bill aims to establish a formal deferment for all utility payments to New York State employees during times when budget delays result in payroll interruptions. Those include electric, gas, water, steam & internet service providers. Covered employees include all individuals on the New York State payroll, including state agency employees, legislative staff, and elected officials.
However, the proposed law will seemingly only impact the 213 elected state lawmakers in Albany. According to New York law, most state employees will continue to receive payroll while lawmakers and the Governor use extender bills to keep the government operating and funded while negotiations continue. While state employees receive pay, lawmakers typically have their pay held until the budget is finalized. At least on state lawmaker is critical of the bill.
"The language in the bill is purposefully deceptive. They set it up that way," said State Assemblyman John Lemondes .
"The only who aren't getting paid when the budget is late are the same people who fail to pass it in the first place. " If passed, the bill will require utilities continue to provide service for state employees, and waive late payment penalties. The bill also prohibits utility providers from reporting deferred balances to credit reporting agencies. Balances must be repaid within a 12-month period.
The bill argues that New York state employs roughly 130,000 people, and during times of payroll freeze, affected employees may not be able to meet payment obligations. It says current law does not allow for an automatic deferment, and instead relies on the discretion of the service provider.
This legislation would formally make it illegal for any state regulated utility provider to charge late fees or cut of services to state workers who aren't getting paid because the budget wasn't passed by April 1, 2026. State Assemblyman Al Stirpe doesn't think the legislation will see the light of day.
"The only people really affected during the budget process are the legislators themselves. It's not any of the staff or any of the workers at any of the agencies," said Stirpe .
"We continue to pass these continuing resolutions to make sure everybody but ourselves get paid. So I don't see it having any legs.
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New York State Budget Utility Deferment State Employees Payroll Delays Legislation
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