Giglio: Taxpayers Cannot Afford Late Budget

Statement from Assemblyman Joe Giglio (R,I,C-Gowanda)

The State budget is more than a week late with no clear indication from the Assembly and Senate Majorities of when there will be an agreement or a budget. Even when they have complete control of the legislative process, they still have failed to release a public schedule to convene conference committees to discuss the budget, agree to or deliver an on-time budget, or even abide by their own budget reform laws. The Budget Reform Act of 2007 requires the Majority Leader of the Senate and the Speaker of the Assembly to issue a schedule of dates for review of the Governor’s budget submission within 10 days after the Executive Budget has been submitted. Taxpayers cannot afford additional delay. Every day increases the potential for job loss and fiscal hardships for the people of New York State. The political games must stop; it is time for the leadership to abide by the law and advance the interests of all New Yorkers, not just those of downstate legislative leaders who hold the cards.