Rabbitt On Executive Budget: Leaves Room For Improvement

Statement by Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt (R,C,I-Greenwood Lake)

January 22, 2008

I am disappointed that the governor’s proposed 2008-09 budget does nothing to rein in state spending. In fact, Governor Eliot Spitzer is proposing an increase in spending that is more than the rate of inflation while significantly increasing taxes on vital items such as gasoline and health care – directly affecting middle-class families. The people of the Hudson Valley cannot afford any more taxes.

Worst of all, the governor has decided to scale back the STAR property tax rebate program for the average homeowner. In a year when we are desperately looking for a solution to skyrocketing property taxes, proposing a commission and cutting back on STAR rebate checks is not the answer. We need to implement a comprehensive property tax reform plan now.

I look forward to working with my colleagues in the state Legislature during the next few weeks to improve upon this budget in a real effort to revitalize the Empire State.

What's New