NY Taxpayers Deserve Transparency in $230B State Budget

Illuminate New York state budgeting with transparency!

Various good-government organizations have united to call on the Legislature to provide financial-plan tables along with their one-house budget bills and the final state budget.

They have outlined some essential steps in order to bring budget negotiations with Gov. Hochul into the light.

Traditionally, the one-house budget plans have lacked details on projected spending, growth rates, and major fiscal actions.

With over $230 billion in taxpayer funds allocated in the budget, it is crucial for New Yorkers to understand the proposals put forth by their elected representatives. When the details are obscure, outside experts, including good-government groups, are unable to identify potential issues.

It shouldn’t be only the “three men in a room” and their staff who are privy to the specifics and financial implications of the proposals on the table.

Upon taking office following Andrew Cuomo’s resignation, Gov. Hochul promised to prioritize transparency; adopting the recommendations for transparency would be a significant step in fulfilling that promise.

Transparency would not only benefit outsiders but also empower rank-and-file lawmakers who are often kept uninformed until they are presented with extensive budget bills to vote on with limited time for review.

It would also diminish the influence of special interests and lobbyists.

Failure to provide such basic transparency would reveal the true allegiance of Albany’s decision-makers.