Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz to Democrat Colleagues: Let’s Grant His Wish

For Immediate Release
January 17, 2011

Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz to Democrat Colleagues: Let’s Grant His Wish

New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) issued the following statement today in response to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s threat that he will shut down the state’s government if the Legislature refuses to approve $10 billion in budget cuts:

“I am dismayed by Governor Andrew Cuomo’s public threat to shut down New York State’s government if we do not approve budget cuts that will most definitely hurt the poor, our children’s education, New York’s healthcare system, and our senior citizens.

I am disheartened that this story fills our newspapers today – on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – a day when we commemorate the efforts of America’s greatest defender of social justice.

When my colleagues and I once attempted to negotiate change in the Legislature to improve the lives and well-being of less advantaged New Yorkers, the Four Amigos were accused of black-mailing.

 
We weren’t, but it seems all too obvious to me that Governor Cuomo is blackmailing New York.

Nobody wants to shut the government down, but if Governor Cuomo really wants to shut down the State’s government because the Legislature will not vote to hurt needy New Yorkers, sick New Yorkers, students, senior citizens and families, then I call upon my Democratic colleagues in the State Senate to grant his wish.

I am not voting to vote for budget cuts that hurt anyone, nor will I be a victim of anyone’s blackmailing.  I urge my colleagues  to do the same.”

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