Relates to withholding the governor and lieutenant governor's salaries until the legislative passage of the budget occurs.
Summary
This bill would amend the New York Executive Law to withhold the governor’s and lieutenant governor’s bi-weekly salary payments if the state budget has not been legislatively passed by the first day of a fiscal year. The withheld compensation would not be paid during the delay, but once the budget is finally passed and deemed sufficient for state operations and local assistance, the suspended salary installments would resume and the unpaid amounts would be paid promptly.
The bill defines “legislative passage of the budget” to mean final action by both houses on the governor’s appropriation bills, a determination by the state comptroller that the enacted appropriations are sufficient for government operations, and enactment of any additional budget-related legislation the legislature deems necessary for implementation. The measure takes effect immediately and is aimed at creating a direct financial consequence for failure to complete the budget on time.
Impact
The bill would add a new section to the Executive Law and create a statutory mechanism tying executive compensation to timely budget enactment. It would affect the governor and lieutenant governor specifically, requiring the state payroll system to suspend and later restore their salary installments based on whether the budget has been passed by the start of the fiscal year. It does not alter tax law or appropriations directly, but it would impose a new administrative and legal condition on payment of executive salaries.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the measure appears to be a punitive or accountability-focused response to budget delays. Its framing suggests support for stronger pressure on state leaders to complete the budget on time, likely appealing to those frustrated with late budgets and executive-legislative standoffs. No formal vote history or transcript is available here, so there is no documented opposition or support beyond the bill’s apparent intent.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely whether withholding the governor’s and lieutenant governor’s pay is an effective and appropriate enforcement tool for budget deadlines. Supporters would likely view it as a symbolic and practical incentive for timely budget passage, while opponents may argue it is largely symbolic, could politicize compensation, or unfairly targets elected officials without guaranteeing a faster budget. Another possible issue is the bill’s reliance on the comptroller’s determination that enacted appropriations are sufficient, which could raise questions about implementation and interpretation.
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.
Withholds the governor's salary until the legislative passage of the budget occurs; provides such salary should be withheld if the budget has not passed prior to the first day of the fiscal year and shall not be paid until such passage occurs.
Withholds the governor's salary until the legislative passage of the budget occurs; provides such salary should be withheld if the budget has not passed prior to the first day of the fiscal year and shall not be paid until such passage occurs.
Provides that the Governor's annual budget proposal to the Legislature shall include statements of any new legislation, amendment to legislation, or limitation on the effect of any legislation contained in the budget; makes related provisions granting the legislature an equal role with the governor in the budget process.