by Sen. James L. Seward
The governor recently presented his budget proposal for the 2015–2016 fiscal year. Now, the real work begins.
In a break from tradition, due to the recent passing of former Governor Mario Cuomo, the budget proposal was delivered in conjunction with the State of the State address.
The combination presentation was long on general themes, but short on details.
While the governor’s address touched on several items that I agree should be priorities in 2015—lower taxes, career opportunities, upstate infrastructure, and education—our strategies to address these priorities differ.
I appreciate the governor’s pursuit of lower property taxes, and I look forward to working with him to enact sensible legislation that accomplishes this shared goal.
Let’s start by cutting taxes at the source, rather than always trying to find new gimmicks to pay the money back to hard working taxpayers.
One of the strategies needed is mandate relief, words the governor failed to utter once during his address which I find extremely disappointing.
I actively worked to pass the property tax cap several years ago and, at the time, the governor promised to reduce costs that are forced on local governments and school districts.
I have joined my senate colleagues in offering a number of these mandate relief measures but the governor has dismissed virtually all of them.
I agree that we need to make the property tax cap permanent, but in doing so, we must adopt true mandate relief measures.
The governor also presented plans for a small business tax cut. This is another idea I want to pursue.
As we work to create more career opportunities in New York, especially upstate, the focus needs to be on our small businesses.
These are the businesses that aren’t on the front page, but have a ripple effect on our local economy when they add one or two jobs.
However, any growth the tax cut may spark would be doused if the governor continues to push for a higher minimum wage.
A new, higher hourly wage just went into effect at the start of this year, and another increase is on the way in January 2016.
Let’s wait and review how these increases influence our economy and wage earners before plowing forward with another hike that could force employers to lay off workers or cut their employees’ hours.
I am completely on board with the governor’s push for additional broadband funding.
Increasing access, especially in the rural areas of our state is a must.
At the same time we need to be sure traditional infrastructure components—roads, bridges, water, and sewer—receive the attention they deserve.
Education is also a focal point again this year.
I disagree with some of the governor’s negative characterizations of our schools and teacher quality.
The deficiencies he believes are out there simply don’t exist in the schools in my district.
What is a universal issue, however, is the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) which has cost schools millions of dollars in recent years.
We need to end this budgetary sham.
As I review and analyze all aspects of the budget proposal, I invite you to do the same.
My website includes links to a wide array of budget related documents including the governor’s proposal and specific budget appropriations bills.
I will also be adding new updates as they become available.
You can also share with me your views on the budget and let me know what you feel should be top priorities.
Simply visit my website, www.senatorjimseward.com, and click on “Get The Facts, Let Your Voice Be Heard.”
Overall, the governor hit on a number of important themes, but we have a lot of details to work out.
As we move forward, I will be fighting for a state budget that will create new opportunities upstate.
The budget should also help our struggling families and local businesses thrive and stay here in New York State.