New York’s drawn-out budget battles are fueling fresh calls for change, according to Capital Tonight, as lawmakers clash over a governor-heavy process that blends policy with spending.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie says behind-the-scenes negotiations with Gov. Kathy Hochul and Senate leaders slow everything down, leaving less time for regular lawmaking. Good-government advocates argue the system lacks transparency and pushes too much power into the executive branch.
Reform ideas include veto overrides, public hearings, and even a constitutional amendment to block policy proposals from budget bills. Still, insiders warn shifting power too far could revive past gridlock driven by legislative leaders.
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