Senator Gallivan Calls on Governor & Legislative Leaders to Exclude Policy Issues from NYS Budget

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C, Elma) has introduced legislation (S.4486) which would amend the New York State Constitution to ensure future budget proposals submitted by the Executive Branch only contain items of appropriations.  It would prohibit non fiscal policies and programs from being included in the budget.

New York governors have often inserted vast, far-reaching policy initiatives in budget proposals, effectively bypassing the traditional legislative process.  Recent examples include criminal justice reform, housing policy, climate initiatives and expansion of other state laws.

“One of the most important obligations of the Legislature is to pass an on-time budget,” Senator Gallivan said.  “When non-fiscal policies are inserted into the budget, the process gets bogged down, denying the Legislative Branch time to pursue meaningful analysis, review and debate of spending priorities.  Substantive policy issues should stand on their own and only be considered through the traditional legislative process.”

Debate over various policy issues can delay adoption of a final budget, as is the case this year. The state was supposed to finalize a budget by April 1, but has failed to do so.

“I urge the governor and legislative leaders to drop policy proposals from the budget and focus on important fiscal matters facing the state.  Passing this Constitutional amendment will help ensure timely budgets in the future.”

In addition to sponsoring the legislation, Senator Gallivan is co-prime sponsor of a similar bill introduced by Senator Nathalia Fernandez, (D, Bronx) indicating bi-partisan support for the idea.          

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