Backroom budget deals in New York are drawing rare pushback from insiders, according to Gannett. Even top Democrats now question a system that keeps lawmakers, media, and the public largely shut out.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie warned the process gives the governor too much control, sidelining broader input. Critics say late policy additions and closed-door negotiations leave most New Yorkers unheard.
The imbalance traces back to the 2004 Silver v. Pataki ruling, which strengthened executive power over budgets. Reform ideas include constitutional changes and transparency laws, but insiders say real change would shake Albany’s foundation.
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