Deals that come together quickly in Albany should always be viewed with some skepticism, but the one announced on Tuesday has a silver lining. If the temporary personal income tax hike is the price we pay for long-term reforms that enhance infrastructure, encourage job growth, make the state and local tax system more equitable, and reduce future pension costs, then it is a price worth paying.

Three notable positive long-term elements of the agreement are (1) creation of a Commission to re-examine New York’s tax structure, (2) authorization of design-build procurement practices for infrastructure projects, and (3) allowing destination gambling.