Background

The New York State Budget represents one of the most significant financial documents shaping the governance and socioeconomic landscape of the Empire State. Rooted in a legacy of fiscal stewardship and responsive governance, the budgeting process reflects the intricate interplay of political, economic, and social dynamics that define New York’s public policy agenda.

At its core, the New York State Budget serves as a manifestation of the state’s fiscal policy framework, encompassing principles of prudence, equity, and accountability. Anchored in sound financial management practices, the budget reflects the state’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while striving to address pressing social and economic imperatives.

The budgeting process in New York State is a collaborative endeavor involving multiple stakeholders, including the Governor, the Legislature, state agencies, advocacy groups, and the public. This intricate set of negotiations, deliberations, and compromises culminates in the passage of a budget that balances competing interests and reflects the collective priorities of the state.

The New York State Budget is a multifaceted document that encompasses various components, including revenue projections, expenditure allocations, policy initiatives, and economic forecasts. From education and healthcare to transportation and public safety, the budget allocates resources to a myriad of programs and services aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all New Yorkers.

Despite its formidable economic prowess, New York faces a host of budgetary challenges, including pension liabilities, infrastructure needs, Medicaid costs, and revenue volatility. Navigating these fiscal headwinds requires strategic foresight, innovative solutions, and a commitment to fiscal sustainability.

The New York State Budget has profound implications for communities across the state, shaping access to essential services, economic opportunities, and social welfare programs. From rural hamlets to bustling metropolises, the budget’s impact reverberates far and wide, influencing the lives of millions of New Yorkers.

In an era marked by heightened scrutiny and calls for transparency, the New York State Budget underscores the importance of accountability and public engagement in the budgeting process. Through open data initiatives, public hearings, and budget transparency platforms, the state strives to foster greater civic participation and oversight.

Data Overview

The data presented on this webpage offer a comprehensive snapshot of the New York State Budget, providing valuable insights into its fiscal dynamics, expenditure patterns, revenue sources, and budgetary trends. Based on robust datasets from the New York State Division of the Budget, this wealth of information empowers users to delve deep into the intricacies of state finances and understand the factors shaping budgetary decisions.

The underlying datasets contain an array of variables, including revenue actuals and agency disbursements. Spanning multiple fiscal years, these data offer a longitudinal view of budgetary trends, enabling users to analyze historical patterns and track changes over time. Users can explore the data at various levels of granularity, from high-level summaries to detailed breakdowns by agency, function and fund.

What Do These Data Not Show?

While the data provided offer valuable insights into various aspects of the New York State Budget, there are certain limitations and considerations to keep in mind:

1. Granularity of Expenditure Categories: While the data provide a comprehensive overview of total disbursements across different functions, agencies, and funds, they may not capture the full breadth of expenditure categories or provide detailed information on specific programs or projects funded by the state. Users seeking in-depth analysis of particular initiatives or expenditures may need to refer to supplementary budget documents or reports for a more nuanced understanding.

2. Revenue Composition: While the data categorize revenue sources broadly, they may not fully capture the complexity of revenue composition, including transfers, grants, and other non-tax revenue streams. Users interested in understanding the intricacies of revenue generation and the sources of funding for specific programs or initiatives may need to consult additional sources for a comprehensive view.

3. Budgetary Impact: While the data offer insights into historical trends in expenditure and revenue, they may not fully convey the real-world impact of budgetary decisions on public services, economic development, and social welfare. Users should consider contextual factors, such as policy changes, economic conditions, and demographic trends, to interpret the implications of budgetary trends accurately.

4. Future Projections: While the data provide historical trends in expenditure and revenue, they do not predict future budgetary outcomes or anticipate unforeseen events that may impact fiscal projections. Users should exercise caution when extrapolating trends and consider the inherent uncertainty associated with budget forecasting. Additionally, users interested in understanding future budgetary projections may need to refer to budget outlook reports or economic forecasts for more comprehensive insights.

5. Interpretation of Trends: While the data offer valuable insights into budgetary trends over time, they do not provide definitive explanations for observed patterns or trends. Users should exercise caution when interpreting data and consider alternative explanations or contributing factors that may influence budgetary outcomes. Additionally, users may need to conduct further analysis or consult with subject matter experts to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying drivers of budgetary trends.

Why Are These Data Important?

The data presented on this webpage hold significance for various stakeholders, policymakers, and residents of New York State. Understanding the importance of these data involves recognizing their role in shaping governance, informing decision-making, and fostering accountability within the state’s fiscal landscape.

Access to comprehensive budgetary data empowers policymakers and government officials to make informed decisions that align with the state’s priorities and values. By analyzing expenditure allocations, revenue trends, and budgetary constraints, decision-makers can prioritize funding for critical programs, identify areas for efficiency improvements, and anticipate future fiscal challenges.

Transparent access to budgetary data promotes accountability and fosters public trust in government institutions. By providing stakeholders with insights into government spending and revenue generation, these data enable citizens to hold elected officials accountable for their stewardship of public resources, thereby strengthening democratic governance and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used effectively and responsibly.

Sound fiscal management relies on accurate and timely budgetary data to assess the state’s financial health, identify emerging fiscal risks, and develop strategies to maintain long-term fiscal stability and sustainability. By analyzing revenue trends, expenditure patterns, and debt obligations, policymakers can proactively address budgetary challenges, mitigate fiscal risks, and ensure the state’s fiscal resilience in the face of economic uncertainties.

Open access to budgetary data fosters greater public engagement and participation in the governance process. By providing citizens, advocacy groups, and community organizations with the tools and information needed to understand government spending priorities and policy decisions, these data empower individuals to actively participate in shaping the state’s budgetary policies, advocating for their interests, and contributing to a more inclusive and responsive democracy.

Executive Summary¹

Date: January 20, 2026
Subject: Briefing on Fiscal Year 2024-25 Disbursement Trends

For the 2024-25 fiscal year, New York State’s total net disbursements reached $241.5 billion, a 2.8% ($6.6 billion) increase over the prior year. Spending remains concentrated in Health ($105.4 billion) and Education ($49.1 billion), which together comprise 63.9% of the total. The primary disbursing agencies align with these functions: the Department of Health ($105.0 billion) and the State Education Department ($47.5 billion). Key trends include continued growth in core social services and a significant one-year decrease in debt service costs.

Spending on core services continued its multi-year growth. Disbursements for the Health function rose by $4.1 billion (4.1%), while Education spending increased by $2.2 billion (4.7%). This ongoing trend may reflect factors such as rising healthcare costs, increased Medicaid enrollment, and planned growth in school aid. The long-term nature of this expansion is evident in the Department of Health’s spending, which has grown by $32.2 billion (44.3%) over the last five fiscal years.

A significant year-over-year change was a sharp reduction in debt service costs. The Fixed Costs function decreased by $3.7 billion (-23.1%), driven by a $3.2 billion (-45.8%) drop in disbursements from the Debt Service fund. This substantial single-year decline could be related to the timing of payments or debt restructuring, but further analysis is needed to identify the precise cause.

Other notable shifts include a $1.0 billion (7.7%) increase in Social Welfare spending. In contrast, disbursements decreased for the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities by $1.1 billion (-16.8%) and for the Mental Hygiene function by $544 million (-4.8%). State estimates project a rebound in Mental Hygiene spending in future years, suggesting the recent decrease may be temporary. Monitoring these trends, especially the drivers of the debt service reduction, is key for future fiscal planning.

Revenue

Disbursements