State budget hearings are underway in Albany, but lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are asking for a greater say 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 had said he'd like to include marijuana legalization and a ban on single-use carry-out food containers in the budget.