Thiele Calls for an End to Secretive Deals

Statement by Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (R,I,C,WF-Sag Harbor)

February 3, 2009

Today, the Deficit Reduction Package was negotiated behind closed doors with only the Governor, Senate Majority Leader and the Assembly Speaker in attendance. This “three men in a room” deal has resulted in increased taxes and fees on the already financially burdened residents of New York. Especially disconcerting is the hike to the covered lives assessment and the Healthy New York assessment, which is going to cause healthcare premiums to go up. The package also includes massive cuts to the environment, including transferring $275 million from the Environmental Protection Fund to the General Fund. Although I am supportive of reducing the deficit, this package is not the answer. New York’s fiscal crisis is not going to be fixed by increasing taxes, so I will continue to fight to ensure that does not happen.

What's New