Assemblymen James Tedisco (R,C,I-Schenectady-Saratoga), George Amedore (R,C-Rotterdam), Greg Ball (R,C,I-Patterson), Tony Jordan (R,C-Jackson), and Pete Lopez (R,C,I-Schoharie) today joined members of the business community and other legislators to sign a "tax-free pledge" for the 2010 executive budget. At the event, held in the New York State Legislative Office Building, the assemblymen spoke of the importance of fiscal discipline in the upcoming year. The pledge commits legislators to spending restraint and increased transparency, as well as a promise to vote against any proposed state tax increase contained in this year's budget.
"Had we practiced fiscal restraint years ago, our state would not be facing such an ominous budget scenario," Tedisco said. "But the time has come to stop the bleeding and hold elected officials accountable for their actions. This is a simple way in which New Yorkers can see where their elected officials stand. Are they willing to insist on greater transparency, are they willing to refuse to increase our spending, and are they willing to rule out tax hikes? It's time they go on record so we can rescue this economy and restore the public's confidence in state government. We have heard the rhetoric before; it is time for legislators and the governor to sign this pledge."
Speakers highlighted the necessity for such a commitment entering the legislative and budget session as the state faces an estimated $7.4 billion deficit. Legislators entered last year's budget negotiations with a smaller budget deficit. However, spending was increased by $11 billion and the budget was ultimately balanced by measures such as "one-shot" federal stimulus money and raising taxes, fees, and surcharges by $8.2 billion.
"Our state is at a critical crossroads. State government is broken and its taxpayers are strained from years of overspending and tax increases," said Amedore. "I am signing this pledge to send a message to politicians to make the tough decisions needed to bring our fiscal house in order. We must fight against tax increases, fight for greater transparency in government and create savings for taxpayers. It is time that taxpayers found out who wants to make a difference for them in Albany and who does not."
"This legislature cannot tax and spend its way out of the abyss that has been built by years of reckless spending," said Ball. "This pledge must be taken seriously and members on both sides of the aisle need to wake up and realize that the party is over. We must get New York State back on track and break this state's addiction to spending."
The event was attended by the New York State Business Council and the National Federation of Independent Business. An invitation to sign the non-partisan pledge was sent to all 212 New York State Legislators, as well as Governor Paterson. The pledge will be sent to all legislators while a copy will remain in Tedisco's legislative office should any additional legislators wish to sign.
"Taxpayers are fed up being treated like personal ATMs by downstate politicians and they're looking to see whether their representative is willing to stand up and fight for them; no state has ever taxed its way to prosperity," said Jordan. "Today, with the signing of this pledge, I promise to do just that. I will vote down any budget that raises state taxes or increases spending by a single dime and I urge my colleagues, regardless of party affiliation, to do the same."
"New York State must live within our means," added Lopez. "The state needs to get its fiscal house in order to protect our small businesses and family farms. We need to commit to this pledge and encourage our colleagues to do the same."
The assemblymen passed along the concerns they heard from citizens, regardless of party affiliation, from across the Capital District and throughout the state. Echoing that sentiment was Michael R. Long. Long said all legislators must do what is right for New York's economic well-being.
"Public officials from across the political spectrum need to wake up to the reality facing our state and its citizens," said Long. "The state faces an approximate $7 billion budget deficit as we enter the 2010 budget negotiations. As last year's budget showed, we cannot tax and spend our way out of this recession. New Yorkers are clamoring for fiscal responsibility from their elected officials. This pledge will hold their feet to the fire to ensure our state's leaders are as fiscally disciplined as the hardworking families that have been forced to do more with less."
Business advocates delivered a similar message. Kenneth Adams, president and CEO of the Business Council of New York State, Inc., called for an end to taxing and spending to reduce the tax burden. Mike Elmendorf, New York State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), spoke on behalf of the thousands of small businesses across the state struggling with the high cost of operating in New York.
"New York's struggling small-business owners-our job creators-cannot afford to send even more of what they work so hard to earn to Albany, especially in this economy and on the heels of last year's record-breaking, job-killing tax and fee hikes," said Elmendorf, representing New York's leading small business advocacy association. "That's why NFIB is going to be holding our leaders to their 'no more tax and fee increases' pledges. Small-business owners make tough choices every day to keep their businesses running and pay their bills. It's high time for state government to do the same-and that means really balancing the budget by cutting spending and reducing the cost of government, not resorting to the all-too-easy tax and fee increases that are wrecking our economy and driving people, jobs and opportunities from New York."
Brian Sampson, Executive Director of Unshackle Upstate, said businesses and taxpayers are looking for greater transparency and accountability in this year's budget.
"Since early last year, Unshackle Upstate's core objectives have been to reduce the taxes and fees that are forced upon businesses and taxpayers in New York," said Sampson. "2010 is a turning point. It is the year that the business community and taxpayers demand accountability from their elected officials. We acknowledge and support Assemblyman Tedisco, his colleagues and any other elected official that is willing to stand up and point out that we are an overtaxed people, and that pattern needs to stop with this budget. We encourage all members of the Assembly and Senate, as well as the governor, to join the pledge for no new taxes, fees, assessment or increased state debt in the upcoming budget."
Members who have already agreed to sign the pledge but were unable to attend the press conference include Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb and Assemblymen Jim Bacalles, Mike Fitzpatrick, Cliff Crouch, Joe Errigo and Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava.