Senator Farley Is Frustrated With Budget Process

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I - Schenectady) noted today is the day a new State Budget was supposed to be in place for Fiscal Year 2010-11 and he expressed his terrible disappointment with the lack of action and progress.

"We must begin a public budget negotiating process, immediately, to get a budget in place. Senate Republicans have made our budget priorities very clear, starting with no new taxes and fees, and the need for real property tax relief," Senator Farley said.

"I know the budget problems and the delay is hurting the people of my district and in particular, the schools affected by both the non-payment of taxes by the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District and now the Governor's delaying of aid payments," Senator Farley said.

"Not only has this budget process been frustrating because of the inaction and lack of public conference committees, but much of what has been proposed truly hurts upstate New York," Senator Farley continued. "Fulton County is a prime example. If Tryon does close, it will throw hundreds of people out of work. If Johnson Hall and the Caroga Lake Campgrounds do close, it will shut down the tourism revenue stream that local municipalities depend on. We need real solutions to these problems. I understand that the State must cut its spending, but we must look closely at what we cut -- and when -- so we do not pass the bill on to other municipalities and, ultimately, to the taxpayer."