Thorny issues like bail reform are best left for another day, not shoved into the budget under the cover of night. Landmark criminal justice reforms, which went into effect on Jan. 1, banned bail for defendants charged with most misdemeanors and nonviolent offenses. Critics, including the state’s powerful law enforcement lobby, have pushed to scale back the reforms.

Of particular concern is a proposal, supported by Mr. Cuomo, that would allow judges to consider the dangerousness of a defendant when setting bail. New York law didn’t allow such discretion before the reforms; it’s difficult to see the wisdom in giving such powers to judges, who for decades set bail that poor New Yorkers couldn’t afford. If changes are made to the bail reforms, the budget is not the place to make them.

There will also be a push to revise the state’s Medicaid program. Though there are plenty of improvements to be made and cost savings to be found, it is vital that the public hospitals, which serve the poorest patients, not be harmed, especially as they fight a pandemic.

In general, policymaking is best done by the State Legislature and Mr. Cuomo through the normal lawmaking process, where public hearings can be held and bills can be examined before they become law. New York’s legislature can get back to work by holding a virtual session, just as Pennsylvania has already done and other states are planning to do. New York’s elected officials have important work to do, including a major expansion of the absentee voting program ahead of the June 23 primary. They could then move on to allowing New Yorkers statewide to vote by mail. The state can also look for ways to help residential and commercial renters suffering from the economic fallout of the pandemic.