Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) urged his colleagues this morning to pass a new bill designed to increase transparency in the budgeting process. The new bill focuses on lump sum pots throughout the budget which hold roughly $2.4 billion, and lack the oversight for which the rest of the budget process allows. The legislation calls for publishing of records pertaining to the project on state websites like those of the Comptroller and the legislative bodies, ensuring the projects are for public purposes, and a three-day review process for each item.

“We need to increase transparency in all forms in Albany, and this piece of legislation will shine a light on a shady part of the budgeting process,” Friend said. “Our communities deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent, and with the reporting requirements set forth in this bill, they will finally get that. This bill will curtail the Albany slush funds abused by powerbrokers. We must continue to push for a cleaner, more transparent government in Albany.”