Requires two-thirds vote of legislature for any change in tax rates, budget bills and appropriations

3 Co-sponsors

• Joseph A. Griffo
• Michael F. Nozzolio
• Michael H. Ranzenhofer

BILL NUMBER:S1683

Title of bill

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing an amendment to section 14 of article 3 of the constitution, in relation to the procedure for voting increases in the rate of state taxes

Purpose

Requires two-thirds vote of legislature for any increase, extension, imposition or restoration of any tax, fee, assessment, surcharge or any other such levy change except to any bill which results from the passage of a home rule message.

Summary of provisions

This legislation is a constitutional amendment which would require a two-thirds majority vote, rather than a simple majority vote in the Senate and Assembly for any increase, extension, imposition or restoration of any tax, fee, assessment, surcharge or any other such levy change.

Justification

Currently, only a majority vote is required for legislation to be passed which raises new revenue. This legislation would require broad and overwhelming support for any revenue increase to ensure that the increased revenue was truly vital to the entire State. It will be one more tool in restraining runaway budget spending and will help curtail the use of New York's taxpayers as the State's ATM.

Legislative history

2011 - Passed Senate

Fiscal implications

Will force the State to live within its current means.

Effective date

Resolved (if the assembly concur), That the foregoing amendments be referred to the first regular legislative session convening after the next succeeding general election of members of the assembly, and, in conformity with section 1 of article 19 of the constitution, be published for 3 months previous to the time of such election.