Since 1847, the NYS constitution requires that if the state legislature wants the state to take on debts over a certain $ amount, its 2 houses (the senate and assembly) would have to pass a law explaining the specific purpose of the debt, and then ask NYS voters if they want the state to take on that debt.

In 1918, the NYS legislature asked the voters:

"Shall chapter (here insert the number of the chapter) of the laws of nineteen hundred and eighteen, entitled 'An act to amend chapter two hundred and ninety-eight of the laws of nineteen hundred and twelve, authorizing the sale of bonds for the construction and improvement of state and county highways, in relation to providing for the disposition of certain unexpected balances for highway improvement; and to provide for a submission of the same to the people to be voted upon at the general election to be held in the year nineteen hundred and eighteen,' be approved?"

And the voters said: Yes!