Aubertine: Budget Appears To Be On The Right Track

Governor’s spending plan outlines the state’s grim fiscal status, proposes difficult solutions Legislature must work with Gov. Paterson to make recommendations to improve it

ALBANY (December 16, 2008)—State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine said today that Gov. David Paterson’s executive budget proposal reflects the state’s economic crisis and appears to be on the right track in terms of addressing projected shortfalls.

"The governor has outlined a pretty grim fiscal state of our state, much like our nation as a whole," Sen. Aubertine said. "Over the next few weeks we’ll be able to get a clearer picture of the impact this budget will have on Central and Northern New York, but at first glance this is the type of spending plan we all expected. This is a complex proposal and I will be working with my colleagues to make sure we do what’s best for the 48^th District and the state as a whole."

The proposed 2009-10 Executive Budget holds the line on spending at about $121 billion, closing the budget shortfall with a combination of cuts and new revenue sources. While it does include a reduction in state aid for school districts, the proposal holds the line on aid to municipalities in Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties and includes plans to help residents of the state hit hardest by the economic downturn.

"We know that we’re going to have to make quite a few tough decisions and there are certainly going to be parts of this budget we’d like to see modified," Sen. Aubertine said. "By making this proposal early, the governor has given us extra time to look over the specifics."

The 2009-10 Executive Budget also proposes consolidation of some state agencies, an idea put forth by Sen. Aubertine in the fall, which was part of the Senate Democratic Conference’s proposal for Gov. Paterson last month.

"I’m glad the governor has put consolidation in his budget proposal and I hope this is something we take a harder look at in the coming months as we work with him to pass our spending plan for next year," Sen. Aubertine said. "The governor made it clear that he is open to recommendations. I think he’s right in saying that this is not the time for criticism, but rather an opportunity to offer new ideas to improve the way our state does business."

For School Aid Runs see: http://publications.budget.state.ny.us/eBudget0910/fy0910localities/schoolaid/0910schoolruns.pdf