Statement from Governor David A. Paterson on the Lieutenant Governor's 5-Year Fiscal Reform Plan

ALBANY, NY (03/10/2010)(readMedia)-- "I thank Lieutenant Governor Ravitch for his diligent work preparing recommendations to help our State government achieve long-term structural budget balance. At its core, his plan reflects our shared view that New York's finances are on an unsustainable path and that true structural fiscal reform is urgently needed to control spending. Given the Lieutenant Governor's considerable experience and expertise, his proposals deserve to be heard and discussed as we move forward toward the final Enacted Budget.

"When I delivered my Executive Budget proposal in January, I articulated several clear principles that I believe must be embodied in any final budget agreement. We must enact both significant recurring spending reductions and real structural fiscal reforms in order to restore our State government's long-term financial integrity. Additional borrowing will not be considered outside of these parameters, and I know that Lieutenant Governor Ravitch strongly agrees with this position. I look forward to working closely with the Lieutenant Governor and the Legislature as we seek to achieve the important goals of long-term spending restraint and lasting fiscal reform."

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