Albany, N.Y. - Budget hearings are underway in Albany, but lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are asking for more input in the process.
Typically, the final budget is worked out between the governor and leaders of the Senate and Assembly. Now, a bill has been introduced that would require two-thirds of the Legislature to approve any tax increases. A second measure would make it mandatory that budget bills only focus on the state's finances. Governor Cuomo says he'd like to see things like recreational marijuana legalization and a ban on single-use Styrofoam containers discussed in this year's budget process.