New York State Lawmakers To Talk Taxes In Hearing

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York state lawmakers are talking about taxes.

A panel of members of the state Senate and Assembly will gather Thursday in Albany for a hearing on the state's tax code and Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo's call for $1 billion in new taxes and fees.

It's one of several hearings scheduled this month as lawmakers begin crafting a new state budget. Cuomo's $168 billion budget proposal contains several new tax-related initiatives including a new tax on opioid manufacturers to help the state cover costs associated with the addiction crisis in many New York communities.

Many Republican lawmakers have said they'll fight to block any tax increases.

Lawmakers hope to approve a new budget by April 1.