Governor Paterson's Spending, Tax Hikes Raise Concerns

ALBANY, NY (12/15/2008)(readMedia)-- Early reports about Governor Paterson's budget proposals are deeply concerning.

Governor Paterson's decision to increase spending on welfare recipients while raising taxes by four billion dollars will exacerbate a troubled economy at the worst possible time. Increasing spending while raising taxes on everything from clothing and automobiles to health care and state parks will drive hard working families and successful businesses out of state. This, in turn, will lead to additional future tax increases and perpetuate a downward economic spiral.

Of equal concern, Governor Paterson's proposal to eliminate safeguards that have helped prevent fraud and abuse in the welfare system makes absolutely no sense at all. We need to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly-- not given away with no accountability.

In the tough economic times we face, it would make more sense to cut spending, increase accountability measures to ensure our tax dollars are spent wisely, and invest in growing businesses to create jobs, opportunity and hope for New York's future. Senator Skelos, Assemblyman Tedisco and their conferences have stood strong for these principles, and I am confident they will make the needs of average New Yorkers heard during this critical budget process.

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