By Elizabeth Christensen
Albany, NY – The state legislature has approved a $1.5 billion stop gap spending bill to allow the government to keep operating until May 4th.
The bill does not, however, contain the standard school aid payments that are awarded to districts on May 1st.
The legislature has a tentative agreement that would raise tuition at SUNY schools by around $950 per year. If signed by the Governor, it would be the first tuition increase for SUNY since 1995.
State lawmakers told Governor Pataki they won't cut member items.
So-called "pork barrel" spending for individual legislators pet projects in their home districts are still part of the spending plan.