NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY

Dear Neighbor,

The state budget is the most important measure legislators act on each year. Education, public safety and economic development programs depend on adequate and timely funding. When the budget is late, we hear directly from school boards, nonprofits, local governments and businesses about the damage it causes and the obstacles to drafting their spending plans.

Last year, under pressure from the Assembly Minority Conference and voters, the Legislature passed its first on-time state budget in 21 years. But there’s no guarantee the same successful budget process will take place this year.

I want to change our budget laws to ensure on-time, every time state budgets. Please take a moment to review my budget reform plan that is part of "Restore New York: The Assembly Minority Plan to Build a Better Empire State."

Sincerely, Jim Tedisco

Late budgets and governmental inefficiency cost taxpayers money and interfere with state operations. That’s why Assemblyman Tedisco wants to ensure an on-time budget.

When there is a late state budget, local governments and school districts must estimate state aid so they can calculate tax levies. As a result, taxpayers may pay a higher tax burden than they should.

A late budget may force an organization - such as a charity group - to reduce services, lay off staff and reduce the number of clients served.

Since college financial aid packages are generally negotiated with families in March, changes or uncertainties regarding the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) because of a late budget may cause difficulties for families and campuses.

A significant part of New York’s fiscal problems stems from our budget process, which is in desperate need of reform. That’s why Assemblyman Tedisco has a plan to guarantee an on-time budget every year.

• Prohibit lawmakers from leaving Albany until a budget is approved.

• If a new budget is not in place by the deadline, enact the previous year’s budget within three days.

• Prohibit consideration of non-budget bills after April 1st until a budget is adopted.

• Provide two-year education plans.

• Dock lawmakers one day’s pay for every day the state budget is late.

Last year, Assemblyman Tedisco led the fight to improve the way government works, and notable changes were made. But more needs to be done. As such, Assemblyman Tedisco has a plan that would make government work even better.

New Yorkers continually face increasing taxes due to backdoor borrowing (without voter approval). Eliminating this would bring greater accountability to the process.

Require a majority vote for final passage of any bill that imposes, continues or revives a tax.

Require a fiscal impact statement on all bills, including their affect on municipalities and schools.

Require that conference committees be convened when similar bills are passed by the Senate and Assembly to make sure that bills become laws.