A monthlong deep dive into New York’s next state budget starts next week, giving lawmakers and the public a chance to scrutinize spending plans that could shape the state’s future.
Public hearings on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed 2026–2027 state budget begin Tuesday, January 27, in Albany. The hearings will run through late February and cover everything from education and health care to taxes and economic development.
The hearings are conducted jointly by the Senate Finance Committee and the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. Lawmakers will examine the governor’s budget proposals in detail and hear testimony from state agency officials, fiscal experts, local governments, business leaders, educators, farmers, and other advocates.
The first hearing will focus on agriculture and parks and recreation. Others will examine environmental conservation, education, transportation, health care, housing, taxes, and workforce development.
State Senator Tom O’Mara, a Republican from Big Flats, serves as the ranking member on the Senate Finance Committee. He has held that role since 2021.
O’Mara said the hearings play a key role in shaping both short- and long-term fiscal policy for New York.
“Senate Republicans will continue to be a voice for lower taxes, less regulation, greater accountability, affordability, economic growth, job creation, and more common sense on state fiscal practices,” O’Mara said.
The hearings will be held in Albany and streamed online. They can be viewed live on O’Mara’s Senate website and the main New York State Senate website. Archived video of each hearing will also be available.
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