State Senator Mark Walczyk, R-C 49th Senate District, has joined his Republican colleagues in Albany to demand transparency as we near the April 1 deadline to pass the New York State Budget.

The press conference called upon the lawmaker in the majority to complete the budget process with complete and unwavering transparency. In years past, Democrats have used loopholes and deception to push through their agenda such as passing bills in the middle of the night or using a message of necessity from the Governor. With the possibility of the biggest budget to ever be passed by the state on the line, it is imperative that the public is a part of the process as well. This means no bills passed in the dark of night, no deception, and no messages of necessity.

"The last public hearings on the State's giant spending plan was weeks ago. Since then, Albany Democrats have completely shut New Yorkers and the press out of the process," Walczyk said. "Governor Hochul promised to be transparent and we're watching that promise fail in real time. New Yorkers expect better and deserve better."

Senator Walczyk has introduced S4285 which will prohibit the Governor from using a “message of necessity” to force a budget bill to vote. This meaningful legislation will ensure that legislators will have the appropriate amount of time to read these bills and formulate informed decisions. To read this bill, provide feedback, and to track its progress, you may follow the link below.

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/s4285