Statement by Senator Golden on Governor Paterson’s Proposed 2010-2011 Budget

Albany – State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) today issued the following statement in response to Governor Paterson’s proposed 2010-2011 budget, calling it a “completely unacceptable” budget for New Yorkers.

“Governor Paterson might as well just start putting “For Sale” signs up on the front lawns of homes across this state. From Brooklyn to Buffalo, you are going to see people who have called New York home all their lives, pack up and move. Move to a place where things are more affordable and where they can have better opportunities.

A dollar here, a penny there, these taxes and fees will economically cripple New Yorkers. At this time of fiscal uncertainty, New Yorkers can’t afford to spend anymore than what they already are to live in the Empire State. New Yorkers already are one of the highest tax citizens per capita in the United States, and another $1 billion on top of this, will cost families several hundred more dollars annually.

The budget Governor Paterson is proposing leaves nothing alone. We see drastic cuts to both education and health care and we see proposed new taxes and fees on soda, cigarettes and on parents who employ early-intervention services for their children. This budget is completely unacceptable for New Yorkers. If you impact the resources available for two of the most important life services, health care and education, and combined that with more new taxes, you simply are forcing New Yorkers out of the State.

Almost one year ago, I voted against last year’s New York State budget because of the severe impact that the budget was going to have. And now, this budget stands to even go further than last year’s, making one wonder if it will ever level off and if we will ever see another tax cut in New York again.

If anyone thinks this proposed State budget is good for the residents of our great State, I have a bridge in my borough I would like to sell them. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate and the Assembly to work on a budget plan that makes more sense to New Yorkers and moves New York in the right direction.”