Passage of budget reform agreement
a historic step in state government

Assemblymember Susan John (D-131st District) voted for legislation agreed upon by the governor, Assembly and Senate that would reform the way the budget process works in Albany; allowing for more public scrutiny in what had become a process shrouded in secrecy. The law would take effect immediately and will be instrumental in this year's state budget process. "We cannot rest when it comes to budget reform just because we passed an on-time budget two years in a row," John said. The legislation agreed upon and passed is a historic first step on a long journey to overhauling the way state government operates."

John said the agreement eliminates the $200 million in "lump sum" appropriations for local initiatives - which was later doled out for pet projects that many taxpayers found wasteful and disturbing. John said each local grant will now be outlined in the budget and subject to the governor's line-item veto. The public would have access to view these line item expenses and be able to voice their opinion to their state representative before a final budget vote.

The reform proposal would also mandate "quick start" budget discussions each November. In addition, the executive and legislative branches will meet quarterly and share briefings on key fiscal issues and performance.

"Last November, New Yorkers sent a clear mandate to those in state government: we want our public officials to change the way business is conducted in Albany. The passage of this budget reform legislation is part of that promise to the people of New York," she said.

February 4, 2007