New York State Assembly Ways and Means Committee

New York State Assembly Ways and Means Committee
Name	New York State Assembly Ways and Means Committee
House	New York State Assembly
Jurisdiction	New York
Chair	Helene E. Weinstein
Chair party	Democratic
Chair since	2023
Ranking member	Edward P. Ra
Ranking member party	Republican
Ranking member since	2023
Seats	39
Foundation	1801
Website	https://nyassembly.gov/comm/WaysandMeans/

New York State Assembly Ways and Means Committee is a principal standing committee of the New York State Assembly with primary jurisdiction over the state's fiscal affairs. It is responsible for reviewing and formulating the annual New York state budget, which includes all state spending, revenue, and taxation proposals. The committee plays a critical role in the legislative process, holding hearings and negotiating with the Governor of New York and the New York State Senate to produce a final financial plan. Its work directly impacts funding for major state agencies, local governments, and programs across New York.

History and establishment

The committee's origins trace back to the early 19th century, with its formal establishment occurring in 1801, making it one of the oldest continuous legislative committees in the United States. Its creation was part of a broader effort by the New York State Legislature to systematize the review of state finances following the adoption of the New York Constitution of 1777. Throughout its history, the committee has been central to major fiscal transformations, including the expansion of state government during the Progressive Era and the fiscal crises of the 1970s and post-Great Recession periods. The committee's name and core function are modeled after the influential United States House Committee on Ways and Means.

Jurisdiction and responsibilities

The committee's jurisdiction is defined by the New York State Assembly rules and encompasses all legislation affecting state revenues, expenditures, and debt. This includes the annual appropriations bills, all tax-related legislation, and proposals impacting the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. It reviews the Executive Budget submitted by the Governor of New York and conducts extensive public hearings, often featuring testimony from the New York State Division of the Budget, agency commissioners, and advocacy groups. The committee also has oversight responsibility for state fiscal policies, economic forecasts, and the financial health of public authorities like the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Membership and leadership

The committee is composed of members appointed by the Speaker of the New York State Assembly, with the majority party typically holding a significant advantage. As of the 2023 legislative session, the chair is Assemblymember Helene E. Weinstein, a Democrat from Brooklyn, who succeeded long-time chair Herman D. Farrell Jr.. The ranking minority member is Assemblymember Edward P. Ra, a Republican from Nassau County. Membership often includes senior legislators with expertise in finance, such as chairs of other powerful committees like the New York State Assembly Codes Committee or the New York State Assembly Education Committee.

Legislative process and influence

The committee exerts substantial influence during the annual budget process, which in New York operates under an early fiscal year deadline of April 1. After the Governor of New York presents the Executive Budget, the committee analyzes each article, holds joint hearings with the New York State Senate Finance Committee, and drafts the Assembly's response. Its recommendations are foundational to the "one-house budget bills" passed by each legislative chamber, which form the basis for negotiations in a Conference committee. The committee's chair is a key member of the "Three men in a room" dynamic, alongside the Speaker of the New York State Assembly, the New York State Senate Majority Leader, and the Governor.

Notable legislation and initiatives

Historically, the committee has been instrumental in passing landmark fiscal policies. These include the establishment of the STAR program for property tax relief, the creation of the New York State Dormitory Authority, and the fiscal reforms following the New York City fiscal crisis of the 1970s. More recently, it has shaped major initiatives such as the excise tax on cannabis sales following legalization, the Millionaire's tax surcharge on high-income earners, and multi-billion dollar capital plans for infrastructure. The committee also played a pivotal role in crafting economic recovery packages after events like the September 11 attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Relationship with other budget entities

The committee operates within a complex network of state fiscal entities. Its most direct counterpart is the New York State Senate Finance Committee, with which it holds joint budget hearings. It must negotiate directly with the New York State Division of the Budget, an executive agency under the Governor of New York. The committee also interacts with independent bodies like the New York State Comptroller and the New York State Financial Control Board, which provide oversight and analysis. Furthermore, it coordinates with other legislative committees, such as the New York State Assembly Health Committee and the New York State Assembly Transportation Committee, on program-specific funding within their jurisdictions.

Category:New York (state) government committees Category:New York State Assembly committees