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Governor Kathy Hochul outlined her Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Executive Budget earlier this week. Her plan is a $216 billion map for spending on child care, education, climate change, strengthening the state's infrastructure and other initiatives. For the first time in many years, the Governor is working with a financial surplus, a product of better-than-expected tax revenue and economic activity, and an influx of federal funding related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Items of interest to ECA’s members as identified by our legislative consultant include: • The reappropriation of funds for the construction of the new Wadsworth Laboratory • Extension of the Infrastructure Investment Act • Authorize downtown communities to utilize the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York's planning, design, procurement, and construction management services to facilitate and support the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative program. • Authorize state authorities to utilize DASNY's design and construction services • Increase Criminal Penalties for Wage Theft • Make Explicit that Discrimination on the Basis of Citizenship and Immigration Status is Unlawful • Extend and Enhance the Hire-A-Vet Tax Credit for Three Years • Extend the Empire State Apprenticeship Tax Credit for an Additional Five Years Click here to read more in the Governor’s FY 2023 Budget Book. We await the legislature’s response. A budget deal is due by April 1, with New York's fiscal year starting on July 1.