| There are a number of different reactions regarding today's release of Governor David Paterson's Executive Budget.
Here is a statement from Sen. Malcolm Smith on the release of the budget:
"We applaud the Governor for putting together an honest and courageous Executive Budget. Senate Democrats intend to thoroughly review its proposals and discuss them within our conference. From the Upstate counties to the suburbs of Long Island, Senate Democrats will help lead our state out of the worst fiscal crisis since the Great Depression, by funding a fair budget that will allow us to reduce spending without severely impairing the state's ability to provide essential services. Times are tough and so are the choices we have to make, but any cuts must reflect the principle of shared sacrifice among all sectors as we work together to return our state to fiscal solvency," said Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith.
That is a very diplomatic statement. Obviously, the Legislature will have its own opinion of how these cuts will factor into the final budget. But Paterson's budget is a starting point. Hopefully the finish is a lot better than the product is now. |
