From Petition to Policy: How the New York State Budget Gets Made
Asking for change is a powerful first step. Whether you’ve signed a petition, met with lawmakers, or shared your story, your voice matters. But real change often depends on what happens next, especially when money is involved.
To turn ideas into action, those proposals need to be included in the New York State budget. That’s where the real work begins.
Think of the budget process like a big family deciding how to spend their money. Everyone has needs and priorities, but they have to talk it out and make compromises to create a final plan.
Step 1: The Governor’s Budget Proposal
Every January, the Governor shares a plan for how New York will spend its money.
This plan includes money for programs, services, and new ideas.
If you're asking for funding (like raising the Personal Needs Allowance), this is where it first shows up.
Step 2: Senate and Assembly Review
After the Governor’s proposal is released, the State Senate and Assembly review it. Lawmakers suggest changes and add their own ideas. They also hold public meetings to hear from people like you. This phase runs through February and March.
Step 3: Leaders Work Together - Negotiations and Compromise
Leaders from the Governor's office, Senate, and Assembly meet to talk.
They try to agree on a final version of the budget.
This is a key time for advocates to speak up and push for their issues.
Step 4: Final Budget Vote
By April 1st, the goal is to pass the final budget, and lawmakers will vote on the final budget. If it passes, the Governor signs it into law.
This final budget is more than just numbers - it decides which programs get funded and how much money is spent across the state. This moment is critical. It’s when ideas and proposals either become reality or are left out for another year.
What Happens Next?
After the budget is passed, the work is not over, and the advocacy doesn’t stop.
From spring through fall, advocates begin preparing for the next year, gathering data, building support, and meeting with lawmakers to keep their issues on the radar.
How CELJ Stays Engaged Year-Round
From spring through fall, CELJ continues its policy work by monitoring budget proposals, submitting testimony, and tracking issues that affect older adults and vulnerable New Yorkers. This ongoing effort helps ensure that key concerns remain visible to lawmakers as planning for the next budget cycle begins.
Want to Get Involved?
Understanding the budget process is just the beginning. It’s not enough to ask for a policy shift; you need to follow it through the budget cycle to make sure it gets funded and implemented.
If you want to help shape how New York spends its money, here are a few ways to take action:
Contact your lawmakers to share your thoughts on funding priorities.
Attend public budget hearings to learn more and speak up.
Track budget proposals that affect your community or advocacy focus.
How To Find Your Legislators
