(July 1, 2010) “This state budget taxes too much, ignores jobs, and spends enough to make a drunken sailor blush,” said Assemblyman Dave Townsend (R,WF-Sylvan Beach). “The $136 billion package is a 1.35 percent increase above Governor Paterson’s proposed spending plan from January. It contains $1 billion in taxes this year, and $1.5 billion in 2011, including an end to the sales-tax exemption on clothing and other items under $110. It redistributes more of our state education aid to schools in New York City and cuts what stays Upstate.
“For months the Assembly Democrats shut out different points of view and closed off debate when pro-reform members like me voiced disapproval with the corrupt budget process. Negotiations were kept secret and final revenue figures still have not been released. Once again Albany is spending without knowing how exactly they’ll pay for it. If the New York City-dominated Legislature thought that this budget would ease the economic difficulties facing Upstate New Yorkers than they have badly miscalculated. Once again Albany spends, but the hard-working families of Oneida and Oswego counties will be the ones to pay.”
