Assembly Releases Overview of Governor’s Proposed Deficit Reduction Plan

Comprehensive review of state’s fiscal condition and proposed budget cuts available for review in advance of November 10th special session

October 30, 2009

Assemblyman Kevin Cahill (D-Ulster / Dutchess) announced today that the Assembly has made its comprehensive overview of the Executive’s Deficit Reduction Plan available for public review on its website. The report was released in advance of a special legislative session scheduled for November 10th when lawmakers are planning to address an estimated $3.1 billion gap in the current state budget.

“Like many states across the country, New York is struggling with a serious budget shortfall that must be addressed,” said Assemblyman Cahill. “Governor Paterson has presented a plan that includes many difficult choices that will have to be carefully considered during these challenging economic times.”

“It is important that the public be presented with a clear picture of the state’s fiscal condition and the measures that have been put forward to get the budget back on track,” said Assemblyman Cahill. “The Assembly’s overview of the Executive’s Deficit Reduction Plan offers a comprehensive look at the choices that are on the table presented in the context of the economic factors that have led to the budget shortfall.”

On October 15th, Governor Paterson presented a plan to close the state’s budget deficit. The proposal includes across-the-board reductions to local spending, education aid, health and social service programs, funding for municipalities, transportation and higher education. The overview, prepared by the Assembly Ways of Means Committee, on which Assemblyman Cahill serves, includes a detailed description of the Executive’s Deficit Reduction Plan, an overview of the state’s fiscal condition and the economy and an assessment of the proposal’s impact on local governments, schools and the state workforce. The release of the report follows a series of meetings and public hearings convened by lawmakers to review the proposal and assess its projected impact on state services and local organizations who rely on state funding.

The Assembly Ways and Means Committee’s overview of the Executive’s Proposed Deficit Reduction Plan can be viewed here: http://assembly.state.ny.us/comm/WAM/20091029/

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