Senator Liz Krueger leads budget hearing on governor's proposed fiscal plan

The New York State Finance Committee and the Assembly Ways and Means Committee convened on February 26, 2025, for the twelfth of fourteen hearings focused on the governor's proposed budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The session, co-chaired by Senator Liz Krueger, aimed to gather testimony regarding key state agencies, including the Empire State Development Corporation, the Office of Cannabis Management, the Office of General Services, and the Council on the Arts.

Senator Krueger emphasized the importance of concise testimony, noting that speakers would have limited time to present their points. Testifiers were encouraged to summarize their most critical issues, as lengthy documents were already available online for public access. Legislators were also reminded to manage their questioning time effectively, as exceeding their allotted time would result in no opportunity for responses from the witnesses.

The hearing featured participation from various senators and assembly members, including those in leadership roles related to economic development and tourism. The session was structured to allow for questions following each testimony, ensuring that legislators could engage directly with the representatives of the governor's office.

This hearing is part of a broader legislative process to review and discuss the state budget, which is crucial for funding various programs and initiatives across New York. The outcomes of these discussions will play a significant role in shaping the state's economic development strategies and support for the arts in the upcoming fiscal year.