ALBANY—The state largest union, SEIU 1199, has released the opening salvo in what's sure to be a long slog over David Paterson's proposed budget.
It doesn't single out any political leader by name, but pushes "fair share tax reform," with increases for those earning over $250,000.
ALBANY—Oh, now he's done it.
This was supposed to be a budget battle, over technical minutiae on Medicaid reimbursement streams and Wick's Law, to make all but the biggest government geek's eyes glaze over.
But there they were, right on pages 125 through 136 of a budget briefing binder: new taxes and fees on Read More
ALBANY—The legislative leaders have responded to David Paterson's proposed budget.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver's position was unspecific. He acknowledged the need for cuts and praised the governor for his proposal, but parried question after question from reporters, saying that his members and staff are reviewing the proposal.
"We'll review all of his proposals and Read More
ALBANY—When David Paterson was asked about why he chose to focus on 88 new and increased sales taxes and fees as opposed to a broader income tax increase, he said it was because he was afraid more people would leave New York.
"If you're going to tax, you've got to tax at a time Read More
ALBANY—In an address to policymakers
"On July 23rd, we warned all New Yorkers that we would have the worst fiscal crisis since the Great Depression," Paterson said as he asked lawmakers to pass the budget by March 1– instead of,as usual, April 1–to save $1.3 billion.
"We in New York State government have Read More
ALBANY—A few reactions to David Paterson's budget from lawmakers as they were filing in to see him speak this morning
"None of this news is good," said Assemblyman Jeff Aubry of Queens. "I guess that all of the cuts and all of the reductions will have to be looked at as to whether they level Read More
ALBANY—As expected, David Paterson's proposed budget doesn't reduce the budget gap with, say, an increase on income tax on the wealthy, but raises fees and taxes on a veritable potpourri services and goods.
A sample:
– The sales tax will be extended to movie tickets and sporting events. If ticker issuers Read More
ALBANY—David Paterson's new budget totals $121.1 billion, including deficit-bridging measures of $1.7 billion for the remainder of the current fiscal year (until April), and $13.7 billion for the 2009 budget year.
A couple of notable cuts:
– An 18 percent tax on soft drinks that contain less than 70 percent natural fruit juice. It Read More
ALBANY—Today's the day.
David Paterson will reportedly release a $121 billion spending plan that calls for new taxes and new fees as well as steep cuts to education and healthcare programs. Paterson must bridge a deficit over $15 billion.
"I think, really, what's crystallizing with lawmakers and the public and many of you Read More
ALBANY—The state is entering into fewer contracts, analysis by comptroller Tom DiNapoli reveals.
The use of outside contractors has been a favorite talking point of public employee unions looking to save money through any means other than re-opening labor contracts. This week, DiNapoli told a gathering of fiscal experts it's something that Read More
