Local Budget Reaction
By: Stephen Bond
Updated: January 18, 2012
"The reform program is aggressive." Governor Cuomo intends to do just that by closing the deficit by two billion dollars and not add new taxes or fees. And at least one state senator commends the idea of closing the deficit without burdening the tax payers. "I think the Governors message today on the budget was a realistic picture of where we are, I applaud the fact that we're going to close this deficit without any new taxes or fees I will continue to sustain education funding and healthcare funding as committed." One area of relief that many officials were eager to hear is Medicaid. The Governor is proposing a 100% takeover of the cost in phases. "I applaud the Governor for these steps and looking at those costs and taking it off the counties shoulders. Now the next step is let us help you, the state, reform a program that is in desperate need of reform because that ultimately will reduce the cost for all New Yorkers and in particular for our property tax payers." According to the governor, the budget calls for major reform to the state's public education system. In total over 800 million dollars will go to help schools. "I was very pleased the Governor has made a bow towards dedicating a portion of the new school aid money, that's coming into this year's budget, to low wealth high need school districts, something we desperately need in our region of the state. Once again I'd like to be more aggressive than the Governor has suggested but he's opened the door to those types of talks and hopefully we'll get there."
Link to Senator Joe Griffo's reaction
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7N7eEAG8Pg&feature=player_embedded
Link to Senator James Seward's reaction
