Legislative leaders and Governor Eliot Spitzer appear to have reached agreement on a state budget after holding secret meetings for several hours Thursday. According to Spitzer, the budget would pass by the start of the fiscal year Sunday. Assemblyman Joe Giglio (R,I,C-Gowanda) said:

“Negotiations went from public view to behind closed doors with house leaders and the governor because they started to realize that the budget deadline actually means something to voters and the citizens of this state. It should not be a surprise to any elected member of this government that the budget deadline is April 1 -- after seeing what took place here this week -- it would appear some were just made aware of that fact.

When the process is rushed, as it was this week, it eliminates public participation. I am hopeful that all involved will learn from this and make the necessary adjustments next year to bring about a more efficient, effective, and public process.”