The New York state budget is due in just two weeks and while that may seem like a long time, I remain concerned by the fact that budget conference committees have yet to meet. The purpose of these committees is to hammer out details in their specific budget bill after revenue has been agreed upon and distributed by the General Conference Committee. In the absence of these committees, the three leaders of state government are the only ones making all the decisions regarding spending in the 2010-11 state budget.
For years, the status quo in Albany has been “three men in a room” determining the budget for the entire state of New York. As it currently stands, all three of these men are from New York City, which will more than likely result in a devastating budget for Upstate New York.
We saw this same scenario play out last year. No conference committees were called and the budget process occurred behind closed doors. The result of this secrecy was a budget that included $8.2 billion in new taxes, fees and surcharges, and the state finding itself unable to pay its bills come December.
I fear that this year is on the same collision course as last year. For example, in the governor’s executive budget, he proposed over $1 billion in new taxes, fees and surcharges; including a new tax on soft drinks, iced tea, juices and sports drinks. This proposal is a clear sign that the governor does not realize that continuing to spend frivolously, while expecting the taxpayers to foot the bill for that profligate spending, is not the proper way to run government.
As the budget deadline draws near, I am calling on the governor and my colleagues in both houses to work together to produce a truly bi-partisan budget that cuts spending rather than increase taxes. The taxpayers of New York deserve a break and I will do whatever possible during this budget process to ensure they get it.
If you have any questions or comments about the state budget or any other state issues, please don’t hesitate to contact me at either my Johnstown office at (518) 762-6486, or my Herkimer office at (315) 866-1632.