Getting to 'yes' on the state budget

Dispatches from Planet Albany · Apr 24, 2026 · 35m

Finalizing a state budget requires varying degrees of compromise from the governor and legislature.

But knowing when and where you have to give and when your negotiating partners will give a little more or won't budget another inch, is a key aspect of executing this annual dance in Planet Albany. To understand the budget choreography, host David Lombardo spoke with two veterans of the state budget process, Shontell Plummer, a partner with Tusk Strategies, and Miguelina Camilo, chief of staff for the New York City Council speaker.

They also recount amusing remarks from the floor and how Silver…