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Governor Cuomo presented a $132.9 billion 2011-2012 Executive Budget last Tuesday. The spending plan is planned reduce the projected four-year deficit by 86 percent, from $64.6 billion to $9.2 billion. He acknowledged that deep cuts in government-supported programs will need to be made to get New York State back on track. 

"The budget is designed to get our state on the right path by eliminating a $10 billion deficit without raising taxes or borrowing," Cuomo said in a letter to constituents this week.  "Just as importantly, it will transform our state’s budget process itself.  New York State has been spending far too much for far too long and we simply can no longer afford it.  We must realign our state spending with reality.  Our budget efforts are not just a cutting exercise, but a management exercise.  We will redesign and reinvent state government based on the principles of quality and efficiency."

Local representatives were quick to weigh in on aspects of the Governor's speech.  Most were cautiously positive.

"New York State is facing serious economic disaster," said NY State Senator Michael Nozzolio, whose district includes Lansing.  "We need strong leadership to make the changes necessary to attract and grow jobs in our State once again. I support Governor Cuomo’s call for spending reductions, tax cuts and job creation incentives to open New York for business. We have seen government spend too much at all levels and I agree with Governor Cuomo’s proposed reforms to address the structural spending crisis in New York State. In the coming weeks, I look forward to reviewing the Governor’s specific recommendations and working to develop the balanced, on-time budget New Yorkers demand and deserve."

TCAD released a statement stressing that economic development was a clear priority in his address.

"TCAD supports his pledge to prioritize economic development and bring New York State much needed support for businesses to invest and create jobs," the release stated.  While TCAD supports the major regional initiatives and believes the Governor is definitely heading in the right direction, we want to remind Albany the majority of job growth and investment is by existing small businesses with less that 100 (or even 50) employees in the manufacturing, high tech and clean tech fields. We would like to see some of those regional project funds dedicated to help those small firms grow and remain competitive in the global marketplace. Together, those small firms make up the bulk of the economic growth in our community."

"The proposed budget is going to be very difficult for some sectors, particularly K-12 and higher education, Medicaid funding, and local governments," says Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce President Jean McPheeters.  "Realistically, that means that almost every New Yorker is going to be hurt in some way.  But, I am encouraged by the Governor’s commitment to restructuring government and by his commitment to mandate relief. Pushing costs down to local governments has become the norm in New York and this simply has to end."

"At first glance, it appears the Governor has proposed a budget that does just that," says New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.  "There are two main concerns: achieving budget balance while continuing to provide essential services that millions of New Yorkers rely on.  My office will be analyzing the specifics of the budget proposal to determine its impact on local governments, school districts and other service providers that depend on state funding."

"I know that we can change our course," Cuomo says.  "No other state has what we have in New York: our history, our diversity, our people, and our legacy of leading the nation forward.  With your help, New York can lead the way again.  Let your voice be heard.  Contact your state legislators to let them know that you want change in Albany."

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