Assemblyman Michael Novakhov (R,C-Brooklyn) is calling on state leaders to make the budget negotiation process more transparent. As the budget is negotiated behind closed doors and finalized without public input, local schools and law enforcement are left in the dark about funding levels, forcing them to make financial decisions without knowing what resources will be available. This disconnect between the state’s education funding priorities and the realities of local town budgets undermines the ability of school districts to plan effectively and provide quality education for students. Novakhov argues that greater transparency would lead to smarter, more equitable investments in education and help restore public trust in state government.

“The state budget is three weeks late, and we still do not know when the end will be in sight. Instead, when asked about the process of budget negotiations, state leaders do not give substantive answers to the public, so the public and lawmakers themselves do not find out what will be in the budget until we have to vote on it. This is not how the government should operate. If local town budgets have a budget deadline they have to meet, then it is on the governor and every elected official to pass the state budget on time too. New Yorkers should have the chance to give input on the budget, not be told what is in it while it is being passed under the cover of darkness,” said Novakhov.