Next year’s budget now awaits the governor’s signature, after the state Legislature passed the budget three days past the initial deadline.

After closed-door negotiations and special sessions, the State Senate passed the $132 billion plan Friday by a straight party-line vote of 32-30.

Voting was delayed several times this week, as two Democratic state senators caught ill and threatened the Democrats’ narrow majority.

The state Assembly passed it earlier in the week.

The budget keeps taxpayer money flat at about $79 billion, but it raises income taxes for the first time in four years on New Yorkers making more than $200,000.

There are also tax hikes on tobacco, alcohol and rental cars.

Spending for education and health will increase, although not as much as in previous years.

Governor David Paterson and legislative leaders say the plan allows shared sacrifice across the state amid the economic crisis. But there is speculation the poor economy could force lawmakers to rework the budget as early as June.

The state is facing an $18 billion deficit.

Meanwhile, Paterson has previously pledged that his next priority will be to get the state Legislature to create a bailout for the city’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

(Source: NY1)