“Another budget extender means more uncertainty for families, small businesses and local governments who are trying to plan ahead but still don’t have a clear picture of what’s coming out of Albany.

“Every year, we hear the same promises about transparency and timeliness, and every year the process falls short. Instead of an open dialogue with input from all legislators, decisions continue to be made by a small group behind closed doors, leaving the rest of us, and the public, on the outside looking in.

“For Long Island, these delays are more than procedural, they have real consequences. From school funding and local aid to infrastructure investments and public safety resources, our communities are left in limbo while negotiations drag on.

“We should be delivering a responsible, transparent budget that reflects the priorities of the people we serve. Until that happens, these extenders will continue to be a reminder that Albany’s process is not working the way it should.”