Senators Push For State Budget Process Changes

The legislature may eliminate, reduce, increase or add items of appropriation,” Biaggi wrote in her legislative justification. “However, the legislature is barred from modifying any appropriation. This has been interpreted to bar the legislature from substituting an appropriation from one that is deleted or reduced. This severely limits the legislature’s ability to fulfill its proper constitutional role, especially as more and more substantive legislation is incorporated in the budget. This amendment would provide the legislature — the branch of government closest to individual New Yorkers — with the full-fledged role in budget-making and legislating contemplated by our nation and state’s founders.”