Statement by Senator Marty Golden on Governor Cuomo’s Proposed 2011-12 Budget

Albany- State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn), a member of the New York State Senate Finance Committee, today issued the following statement in response to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s proposed 2011-12 New York State Budget:

“Governor Andrew Cuomo today spoke to New Yorkers and made it evident that the Empire State is facing some of the toughest financial times in recent memory. With a $10 billion dollar deficit looming, the days of out of control spending, automatic increases, new taxes, and an oversized government are over.

New York can no longer afford to operate in a fiscally irresponsible manner. It is wrong for our citizens, our homeowners, and our families who are being forced to leave the State because the New York price tag is overwhelming. Unless we acknowledge the budget woes we know exist, we are doing a disservice to the State and making the future full of only darker days.

As the people of our State are more closely watching their personal budgets, New York State must act in the same manner. The Governor has given us a good foundation from which the State Legislature must work from, to reduce spending, and eliminate waste, fraud and abuse.

New Yorkers heard in Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s State of the City Address a message of financial responsibility that will create jobs, balance the City budget, and protect both essential city services and the taxpayers. It is important that the State Legislature be cognizant of the finances and needs of City of New York throughout the State Budget process.

As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, I look forward to being part of the budget negotiations and will work, with my colleagues, towards the enactment of an

on-time New York State budget. By governing more responsibility, together, we will turn this State around and make it stronger than ever.”