Editor’s Note: Earthquake and total eclipse are sign of impending state budget – we hope

This state budget season could not be more bizarre with last week’s 4.8 magnitude earthquake rocking the state from that place “west of Manhattan,” as Gov. Kathy Hochul described it on X. The rest of us call that place New Jersey, and it hit along the Ramapo Fault in Hunterdon County. Adding to how unsettling this was, the quake, which did not result in any significant damage or injuries, preceded a highly anticipated total eclipse.

“God is sending America signs to tell us to repent. Earthquakes and eclipses and many more things to come. I pray that our country listens,” Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green posted on social media.

I am really hoping she doesn’t believe there’s an impending apocalypse coming. I’d rather believe that a quake and eclipse happening right after are signs that a delayed state budget will finally be approved for New York. Lawmakers approved a second budget extender until April 8, the day of the eclipse, which most of them and even the governor were gearing up to watch. That’s probably where most of their heads were – and not on approving the budget by the deadline. Who among them will want to be bogged down in budget negotiations when everyone, especially in Jamestown, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Watertown and Plattsburgh, where the total eclipse will be best seen, will be looking up toward the sky. I would argue that they’ll be better focused after the eclipse to get the budget approved. If not, then it will be the end of days.