11/20/09: WNY Lawmakers Prepare to Tackle NYS $3.2B Budget Deficit Plan

BY NICKI MAYO YNN BUFFALO
Western New York lawmakers are resting up to head back down the throughway to tackle the state’s budget deficit. Politicians across the aisle agree something needs to be done to close the $3.2 billion dollar shortfall.
“There’s too much government in the state of New York, and too much government means higher taxes,” said Assemblyman Sam Hoyt. The democratic 144th district representative says the Albany statehouse needs to act fast to balance New York’s State budget.
The state assembly, senate and Governor David Paterson need to vote on a deficit reduction plan to close the deficit. Between revenue generators (ex: new state license plates) and reducing the budget, Western New York lawmakers support cost cuts.
“There are $6 million dollars in outside consultants that are used every year and I believe that is one of the things we can cut and save money,” said democratic 60th District State Senator Antoine Thompson.
“These senators that voted to increase spending by $13 billion dollars don’t want to cut anything,” said republican 61st District State Senator Michael Ranzenhoffer.
“Cutting education shouldn’t be off the table. Cutting Medicaid or health care shouldn’t be off the table. These represent 55% of the state’s budget,” added Assemblyman Hoyt.
Hoyt submitted six pages of cost cutting measures to Governor Paterson’s office. In it he suggests merging well over 20 departments into seven agency consolidations. This includes bringing the department of transportation and the throughway authority together.
CLICK HERE TO READ HOYT’S LETTER TO GOVERNOR
http://m2.wnymedia.net/files/2009/11/HoytBudgetLetter101409.pdf
“Why is there one entity that goes from one end of the state to the next and another entity that manages all of the rest of the state highways?” questioned Hoyt.
“By this level of record spending you’re hurting everybody. You’re hurting every New Yorker,” said Ranzenhoffer. The State Senator says the current budget wasn’t balanced when it was passed. Ranzenhoffer says it’s time for the state house to start acting like average households across the state.
“Governments really needs to tighten its belt like the average family and businesses is doing right now,” said Ranzenhoffer.
“We’re going back Monday. I’m certainly hopeful that we’ll get it done this week,” Hoyt added.