Assemblymember Cahill Remarks on Completed State Budget

June 28, 2010

Albany – Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D-Ulster, Dutchess) issued the following statement upon the conclusion of the state budget process:

“Like so many of us, our state is facing one of the most difficult fiscal challenges in our history. The budget we are adopting is a responsible spending plan that makes the tough decisions needed to close the deficit while protecting core services that New Yorkers depend on. We are putting the state’s finances back on track for the current year and for years to come. I strongly urge the Governor to join us in our effort.

“The spending plan continues to make education a top priority by restoring nearly $600 million of the Governor’s devastating cuts to schools across the state. The budget gives our school districts the much-needed opportunity to provide property tax relief, bolster reserve funds or, in the case of high needs districts, fill gaps in programs. Schools in the 101st Assembly District will now receive nearly $5 million more in state aid than the Governor originally proposed.

"Preserving the affordability, accessibility and quality of our public university system is critical, especially during these tough times. Our plan protects students and faculty from untenable cuts because we recognize that SUNY is the most effective engine of opportunity and economic growth in New York. The budget fully restores the funding for the Tuition Assistance Program and our Community Colleges. Moreover, the budget rejects the Governor’s move that would have resulted in SUNY schools unilaterally raising tuition by as much as 40% over the next few years.

“While the negotiations have been difficult, we used this opportunity to begin reducing government spending by eliminating duplicative offices and merging services. Additionally, we have given local governments the ability to cut local property taxes by providing $249 million for Aid and Incentives to Municipalities to help provide services and tax relief.

“Our economic struggles have also sharpened our focus on developing growth industries that create jobs in our communities that need new businesses and meaningful, long-term investment. We created the Excelsior Jobs program to attract new businesses, encourage more jobs and help get the economy back on track. We also expanded the New York State Film Production Tax Credit, which has been instrumental to growth of the industry throughout the Hudson Valley.

“I also prioritized health care services for our most vulnerable citizens. By being strategic in our cuts to the health care budget, we were able to ensure programs receive the funding they need to provide quality health care for our young and old alike. We approved $483 million for New York’s Health Care Reform Act (HCRA), a major component of the state’s health care system, which funds initiatives, such as community health and long term care.

“I led the fight against Governor Paterson’s attempt to close our state parks. New Yorkers made it abundantly clear that closing parks is an unacceptable way to balance our budget. Families can be secure that our parks and historic sites will be there for economical activities. We also restored $17 million for open space acquisition to purchase ecologically valuable land and defeated the Governor’s effort to use $10 million of the EPF for purposes inconsistent with the program. Our environment and local businesses are better off with the parks open and with the EPF still dedicated to its original purpose.

“Every state in our nation is struggling and sacrifices had to be made. I believe we enacted a responsible plan that protects core services and starts the process of reducing government spending through streamlining government agencies and curbing wasteful, duplicative services. Our fight is not over. We will remain vigilant in our efforts to renew New York’s economy, maintain the state’s fiscal stability and protect the many families struggling to make ends meet.”

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