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Thursday, April 16, 2026 ~ Volume 71 ~ Issue Number 26 ~ $1.00
Overtime: State Budget Drags On By Matt Meduri The New York State Budget is delayed this year, which does not come as a surprise to many Albany insiders. The April 1 deadline is now two weeks in the rearview mirror. Monday saw the third extender passed as leaders in the Senate and Assembly continue negotiations with Governor Kathy Hochul (D-Hamburg). The last on-time budget in New York was 2019. The spring budgeting season falls on a particularly tense time in Albany, as Governor Hochul continues to spar with the liberal and socialist wings of her party, while paying mind to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s (D-Astoria) progressive wish list - all while running for a second term. Meanwhile, Republicans brace for impact ahead of what many are predicting to be a nationally damaging midterm for the party. Continued on page 5
The State Capital Building in Albany (Credit - Matt Meduri)
Town Retains Coveted ‘AAA’ Bond Rating By Matt Meduri Spring brings bond rating season from top financial analysts and economic forecasters. A municipality’s bond rating is akin to a credit score. The better the score, the wider a municipality’s options in leveraging debt and financing costly capital projects that would otherwise fall on the taxpayers. The Town of Islip announced on Wednesday that their “Aaa” credit rating was reaffirmed by Moody’s, marking the eleventh consecutive year the Town has achieved this ranking. Moody’s assessed $58 million in Public Improvement Serial Bonds for 2026, as well as $280 million in outstanding debt for Islip. Continued on page 10
Islip Town Hall (Credit : Matt Meduri)
FULL STORIES ON:
Off the Bay Opens in Sayville Page 10
SCWA Repairs Water Main in East Islip Page 15
Duo Leads Central Islip Softball Page 22