Progressive Advocates Seek Budget Parity For Legislature

A coalition of 39 progressive organizations on Tuesday urged state lawmakers to approve first passage of a measure meant to close a power imbalance between the Legislature and governor during the budget-making process.

"Separation of powers and checks and balances are fundamental to our democracy," the groups wrote in a letter sent to top-ranking lawmakers in the state Senate and Assembly. "For too long, the budget process in New York State has been lopsided, giving the executive branch virtually unlimited power to dictate appropriations, as well as to force enactment of legislation it favors through the state budget."

The move would require an amendment to the state constitution, a process that involves it being approved twice by separately elected sessions of the Legislature and then put before voters in a referendum.

The amendment would address how the state's budget is drawn up, arguably the most important document considered by members of the state Senate and Assembly as well as the governor.

Read more: https://nystateofpolitics.com/state-of-politics/new-york/ny-state-of-politics/2020/07/07/advocates-seek-budget-parity-for-legislature-