§ 32-a. Budget; public hearings. After submission and prior to enactment of the executive budget, the senate finance committee and the assembly ways and means committee jointly or separately shall conduct public hearings on the budget. Such hearings may be conducted regionally to provide individuals and organizations throughout the state with an opportunity to comment on the budget. The committees shall make every effort to hear all those who wish to present statements at such public hearings. The chairs of the committees jointly or separately shall publish a schedule of hearings.