The Democratic governor persuaded lawmakers to lower the standard for involuntary commitment of mentally ill people.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced an agreement on the state budget. The agreement comes 28 days after the April 1 deadline. It includes a $254 billion spending plan.

The budget will include an increase in payroll taxes on large companies to fully fund the MTA's capital plan, and introduce a bell-to-bell cell phone ban for most students during the school day.