GOVERNOR’S BUDGET PROPOSAL IS STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
The governor recently presented his proposed 2011-2012 state budget and at first glance I would have to say, while harsh, it is realistic. It sets the right tone as New York looks to move forward and confront the many difficult challenges ahead. There are areas of the proposal, though, which require further inspection and scrutiny.
First, a little on the numbers. Overall state spending included in the budget proposal totals $132.9 billion, a decrease of 2.7 percent from 2010-2011. This is definitely in stark contrast from years past when overall spending has been on the constant rise. The plan also deals with a $10 billion deficit without new taxes or borrowing, a major accomplishment.
Of course, what the governor is calling on Albany to do is no different than what families and business owners around the state have been doing for sometime – make do with less. Certainly, many of you have sat around the dinner table at night trying to decide where you can cut back or how you can save a dollar here or a dollar there. State government must adopt that same mentality.
Over the last two years, new taxes and fees have risen at every turn to the tune of $14 billion. Along with the government cash grab, billions of dollars in federal stimulus dollars have also poured into and out of the state coffers. What has all of that spending produced? Not an awful lot, other than a bloated state budget.
I voted against each and every budget bill over the last two years because of the reckless spending, and I called for additional oversights on how stimulus dollars were being spent. While many of my senate colleagues felt the same way, others were happy to continue with blinders on, tossing away your tax dollars. Finally, there is a new attitude at the Capitol.
The governor is calling for real consolidation of state agencies, something I have been in favor of for some time. His proposal would merge or consolidate eleven separate state entities into four agencies. While I can’t speak on the specifics of each merger, I certainly support the concept and will be carefully studying the details of the proposal. I am sure there are real savings to be found by streamlining state government in this manner.
The governor also proposes a two percent cut in Medicaid spending, another area where I have long called for change. I am eagerly anticipating the final report from the governor’s Medicaid Redesign Team which is developing a final savings strategy. The panel, made up of health care providers, consumer and industry experts, and state legislators, is tasked with making recommendations by March 1, in time for consideration in the budget negotiation process.
Economic development is another shared focus. The governor’s call for job creation through a regionally-based approach that brings local stakeholders into the process is a step in the right direction. Our state’s diversity is one of its greatest assets but it also means that a one-size-fits-all mentality doesn’t always work. The new regional economic development strategy is an opportunity for each part of the state to promote from within and emphasize local strengths.
Of course, while I have found a great deal of common ground between the governor’s proposal and my own budget beliefs I am in no way ready to rubber stamp his plan. A full, in-depth analysis must be completed before any budget bills come up for a vote. Further, bi-partisan, public budget conference committees need to review the spending plan ensuring rank and file lawmakers have a chance to question each and every dollar spent.
Tough decisions need to be made, and there will be some hurt. However, by reforming Albany and improving our overall economic climate we can position New York as a national leader once again, setting the stage for a real resurgence for our businesses, our families, and every New Yorker.
Senator Seward’s office web site is www.senatorjimseward.com.
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