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A Chance for Leadership and Common Sense in Albany
January 26, 2010

Nobody in their right mind would argue that New York State lawmakers brought their ‘A’ game to Albany in 2009, or even their ‘C’ or ‘D’ effort for that matter. And we’re all literally paying the price for that embarrassingly poor performance.

Another year of reckless spending and catering to special interests, combined with a failure to pursue effective economic development strategies, has left our state particularly vulnerable to global recession.  The 2009-10 state budget exacerbated those policy failures by increasing long unsustainable spending and taxation.

But, state elected officials have a chance to redeem themselves and do right by New Yorkers as they head into the 2010-11 budget season.  It’s been forever since the people of New York have been able to count on their elected officials to make reasoned, logical decisions in the best interests of anyone but themselves, but if there were ever a time for that to happen, this is it.

The budget blueprint Gov. David Paterson put on the table last week demonstrates some attempt to control overall spending. But given the state’s current and growing budget deficit, we’d much prefer to see the price tag for running New York State government go down. Anything but a reduction is too much.

We are, however, extremely pleased to see inclusion of the UB 20/20 reforms that are critical to the growth and economic well-being of the University at Buffalo, and other SUNY and CUNY institutions. We urge state legislators to support giving these educational institutions much-needed flexibility in setting tuitions and forging strategic partnerships. Passage of these reforms is not only absolutely critical – but budget neutral.

As our Western New York delegation rolls up its sleeves on the Paterson budget, it should focus on eliminating his onerous and unacceptable slate of new taxes and fees - $1.4 billion.

While the governor’s goals of improving the health of state residents and thereby cutting public healthcare expenses is an admirable one,  his approach of levying new taxes on cigarettes and soda pop to achieve a healthier New York just doesn’t fly.

If his true goal is to improve the state’s health status, where’s the wisdom behind hitting hospitals, nursing homes and home care providers with an extra $242 million in fees?  Just for once we’d like to see state government itself accept some pain rather than inflicting it on everyone else.

Rescuing New York State’s economy, reputation and quality of life absolutely requires longer term spending reductions. This is the time for our supposed representatives to pledge the budget and other legislation they support will NOT result in increased taxes and fees, new or additional assessments, or increased debt.

The Partnership is keeping a close watch on our elected officials and we won’t settle for yet another year where decision-making is guided by political ambition rather than public duty.  I urge you to join us in sending that message. We will be keeping tabs and taking names, and we will remember in November.

Andrew J. Rudnick