Business Council Supports Gov. Cuomo's Fiscal Reform Budget

ALBANY, NY (02/01/2011)(readMedia)-- "Gov. Andrew Cuomo is proposing a budget that finally addresses the need to reduce government spending and put New York on the road to recovery," said Heather Briccetti, acting-president & CEO of The Business Council of New York State, Inc. "This budget proposal ends the business as usual in Albany that has led to a loss of jobs and population in our state."

"This budget puts forward a long-term, sustainable approach to move New York in the right direction. It puts an end to the gimmicks and short-term fixes that simply mask the underlying problem of government's overspending," said Briccetti.

Between 2000 and 2008, New York lost more than $38 billion in personal income due to out-migration to other states, mostly lower cost, lower tax states. In fact, when you look at the 50 upstate counties outside the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Region personal income growth from 1998 to 2008 lagged every state in the nation, except Ohio and Michigan.

"The Business Council has said repeatedly that New York cannot tax its way out of this deficit. Governors and legislatures have tried that for years and the crisis has grown worse," added Briccetti. "We realize difficult decisions will be made in this budget. But, if we can put the state's fiscal house in order we can create an environment that will lead to economic development and create jobs for all New Yorkers."

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