Relates to withholding the governor's salary after the April first budget deadline until a state budget has been passed.
Summary
A02263 would amend the New York Executive Law to withhold the governor’s salary in any year when the Legislature fails to pass the state budget bills by April 1. Under the bill, if the budget deadline passes without enactment of the governor’s submitted appropriations and reappropriations bills, the governor would not be paid until those budget bills are passed. The measure takes effect immediately upon enactment.
The bill is a budget-enforcement proposal aimed at creating a financial consequence for missing the constitutional budget deadline. It does not change the substance of the state budget process itself, but it adds a penalty tied specifically to the governor’s compensation. The practical effect would be to amend the Executive Law by creating a new section governing payment of the governor’s salary during budget impasses.
Impact
The bill would add a new provision to the Executive Law authorizing the withholding of the governor’s salary when the Legislature misses the April 1 budget deadline. It would affect the governor directly, and indirectly could influence budget negotiations by linking compensation to timely passage of state budget legislation. No other offices, agencies, or private parties are directly regulated by the text.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee discussion or votes, the measure appears to be a punitive or accountability-focused proposal rather than a broadly negotiated budget reform. Its framing suggests support for stronger pressure on state leaders to meet the budget deadline, but there is no available evidence of formal support or opposition from committee debate or roll-call votes. Overall sentiment cannot be measured from the record provided, though the bill’s design implies an intent to express frustration with delayed budgets.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely whether it is appropriate or effective to penalize the governor personally for a legislative failure to enact the budget on time. Supporters would likely view the salary withholding as a strong incentive for timely budget action, while opponents may argue that it unfairly singles out the governor for a process that depends on both the executive and the Legislature. Because no transcripts or votes are provided, specific named objections or endorsements are not available.
Provides that if legislative passage of the budget has not occurred prior to the first day of any fiscal year, the bi-weekly salary installment payments of the governor and members of the legislature to be paid on or after such day shall be withheld and forfeited in perpetuity until such legislative passage of the budget has occurred.