A look ahead at the 2026 state budget [Video]

Budget season is officially underway, as New York state faces a $2.3 billion budget gap heading into the 2026 fiscal year and a projected $13.9 billion hole by 2028.

Multibillion-dollar budget gaps for the next few years are shrinking, but there are still big question marks, including school aid, Medicaid and what to do about the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

State Budget Director Blake Washington spoke with reporters at the State Capitol Friday, outlining how key issues will factor into the state’s financial plan.

First: Will it include a revenue replacement for congestion pricing?

“I think the next possible opportunity to deal with it will be in the budget, so yes,” Washington said.

On Foundation Aid, how will the Rockefeller Institute’s study into the Foundation Aid formula factor into how school funding is allocated?

“Their study is due Dec. 1, so we’ll see some of their findings, we’ll hear some …