Budget Not Without Pain, But Painfully Needed
Assemblyman Jim Conte released the following statement, regarding his vote for the 2011-12 New York State budget:
During my tenure as an Assemblyman I have seen far too few budgets enacted on time and even fewer that cut spending, held the line on taxes and were devoid of borrowing.
Tonight’s budget not only closes the state’s $10 billion budget deficit, but more importantly, it ends an era of out-of-control spending, higher taxes and unchecked borrowing. While there is plenty of hardship to go around in this year’s spending plan, the legislature was able to restore funding to Long Island’s schools, veterans’ hospitals and the office of developmental disabilities to ensure that the most vulnerable in our society continue to receive important services.
Lastly, instead of making New York State a less competitive place to do business, this year’s budget creates a number of programs that will help spur economic growth and result in needed job creation.
Now, the legislature must build upon tonight’s successes and move forward in a bipartisan manner to promptly enact meaningful mandate relief, and a property tax cap in order to usher in the next step to a new and more prosperous era on Long Island.
