New York Court of Appeals

Michael Cohen, as Members of the New York State Legislature, Respondents v. State of New York, Appellant

October 14, 199994 N.Y.2d 1

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals reversed the Supreme Court and held that chapter 635 of the Laws of 1998 is constitutional, finding it does not violate article III, § 6 of the State Constitution, the separation of powers doctrine, or any other constitutional provision. The Court affirmed the statute’s validity despite a dissent arguing it impermissibly conditions legislators’ salaries on budget passage.