SENATOR ROBERT ANTONACCI PUSHES FOR BUDGET REFORM

           Today Senator Antonacci (R, C, I, UJP – Onondaga) introduced legislation seeking a Constitutional Amendment prohibiting the Governor from issuing a message of necessity for budget related bills. The budget is a complex document and should be given ample time to review. Currently, using the message of necessity removes the required three-day aging period for bills and allows an immediate vote, significantly restricting the ability to review the bill.

          “During my first budget experience, it became clear the budget process is severely flawed,” said Senator Antonacci. “The budget has the most significant impact on New York taxpayers than any other action taken by the Legislature. Therefore, it is imperative legislators have time to review these bills,” Antonacci continued.

            This bill would incentivize the Executive and sitting majority to reach an agreement three legislative days prior to the April 1st deadline, enabling the Legislature time to review the agreed upon budget, Antonacci concluded.