August 2008

Tough Choices Ahead for the State -- But Not at the
Expense of WNY’s Working Families

As you read this, I am in Albany attending a special emergency economic session called by Governor David Paterson to deal with the $6.4 billion dollar state budget deficit. The deficit is a problem that continues to get worse and only with significant changes in spending and the process of providing services can we hope to turn the tide.

Finding a solution will mean tough decisions must be made by all elected state officials and the Governor has already laid out one plan for getting started. In fact, the Governor’s plan is just that, a place to start, nothing has been finalized or signed off on. So while I am obviously aware the Governor’s plan has caused concerns, I am prepared to make the tough decisions, but not at the expense of our schools or the working families in my district.

I have already voted in favor of a property tax cap because we must provide protection for you the tax payer while we fight through this budget crisis. However, I also believe there should be a “circuit breaker” formula used to protect our seniors and working households. A circuit-breaker protects you from property taxes "overloading" your household's budget by setting limits based on income. There are several different formulas that could be used, but I believe the “circuit breaker” is the most equitable direction to go in and it will also protect our state education system.

The education of our children is vital to the long term success of our culture and must not be sacrificed to fix this budget crisis. Yet, there needs to be better program management in spending the funds already allocated. A solution such as the consolidation of purchasing for school districts by the BOCES program in that region is just one place to look in stream lining spending.

There will tough times ahead, but we have been through them before and rest assured I will be willing to cut where I believe it makes sense for you the taxpayer. The people that live in my district and throughout western New York have been the backbone of this state and deserve protection from any plan that would call for additional taxes. It is time for the state to find a better and more efficient way of doing business and not at your expense.

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