Statement from Assemblymember Cahill on the Executive Budget

January 22, 2013

Albany, NY – Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D- Ulster, Dutchess) reacted to the budget presentation given by Governor Cuomo today in the following statement:

“Today Governor Cuomo opened the budget process with a plan that reflects our fiscal reality. Though it is significantly lower than the previous economic crisis years, the State is facing a deficit over $1 billion. We need to enact smart measures that will keep our finances on track without harming our necessary services or placing an additional burden on our taxpayers or our most vulnerable residents.

“We are at a critical juncture and the decisions we make in this year’s budget will determine the long term future of our state. As we continue on the path to renewed prosperity, we must honor our commitment to modernize our state and local governments by taking aggressive action while delivering much needed assistance to municipalities.

Help with Mandates

“The Governor’s plan for mandate reform offers some promise of relief to localities that have seen their budgets crippled by growing costs. Along with my colleagues, I will carefully examine his proposals to assure their efficacy while avoiding the common trap of asking public servants to shoulder the entire burden.

Education

“The Governor has put forth an approximately $889 million (4.4 percent) increase in education spending, a competitive grants program for a portion of school aid and bonuses for high-performing teachers. While this will significantly help schools to provide our children with the education they deserve, we can and must do even more. My 21st Century Schools Act (A.1373) is a plan for shared services and school district reorganizations across the state. It can save millions while improving what we are delivering to our kids. The Equity in Education Act (A.1598), my proposal to eliminate school property taxes by shifting to a progressive education income tax surcharge, is gaining support in both houses and will also remain a top priority. In the meantime, I will be joining my colleagues to create an education budget that sets us back on track with Foundation Aid and early childhood initiatives funding.

Higher Education

“The Executive Budget proposes $55 million in support for SUNY institutions, as part of a third round of NYSUNY 2020 grants. As an alumnus of SUNY New Paltz and a long supporter of accessible, high-quality, public education, I am pleased that the Governor has continued to honor the capital commitment he made to our state colleges and universities in 2011. Now we have to focus on restoring programs and decimated faculties across the SUNY system, but in particular at our comprehensive four year schools and community colleges.

Health Care

“The plan introduced today maintains the Medicaid spending cap enacted in 2011, and will continue the implementation of the New York Health Benefit Exchange. I have been working to make changes that will shift our health care delivery mechanisms to a more cost effective preventive care model. In doing so, we must be cognizant of the impact on our health care institutions so as not to further diminish access to care in communities or regions like the Mid Hudson Valley. In particular, I will work with the Governor and the Department of Health to help fund innovative and accountable changes to our local health care delivery system. Whether it is the growing model like the HealthAlliance’s Benedictine and Kingston campuses, our nursing homes and home care agencies or the every expanding array of specialized out-patient services, affordability and accountability are the watchwords in this modern health care era.

Economic Opportunity

“The Executive’s plan detailed proposals that will assist the state’s struggling working class, including a long-overdue increase in minimum wage and unemployment benefits that account for the ravages of inflation. A comprehensive approach to reforming Worker’s Compensation to simplify and reduce assessments on employers while promoting transparency, efficiency, consistency and equality will benefit both workers and employers.

“Additionally, creating tax-free ‘hot spots’ for emerging businesses to coordinate with high education institutions will foster economic development and increase job creation across the state.

Making a 21st Century New York

“The Governor’s support for recovery from Superstorm Sandy includes funds to be used for rebuilding and strengthening critical infrastructure as well as energy sector workforce training. Most significantly, our storm crisis rebuilding efforts will include our communities. While the impact of Sandy spared most of our area, some communities like the Rondout and the Rhinecliff area saw significant surge damage. Even greater damage occurred as a result of two other storms – Irene and Lee – and many of us are still working to recover and restore. The inclusion of the communities impacted by those storms in continuing relief efforts is the best news in this budget presentation.

In the area of energy reinforcement, the Governor’s plan dovetails perfectly with the Grid Modernization Act (A.1932) I proposed late last year. Hardening our energy delivery systems, increasing the presence of distributed renewable, stand alone energy options and beefing up the energy workforce to meet the challenges of the 21st Century are critical to our safety, security and economic stability.

Conclusion

“As we move forward with budget negotiations, I will be examining all options to best serve the needs of the people of Ulster and Dutchess Counties and all New Yorkers. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to craft a responsible, on-time budget plan that will address our immediate problems while continuing our commitment to long term economic stability.”

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