AuH20
04-01-2009, 08:13 AM
(Note that this editorial came from a New York newspaper which fiercely defends the democratic party.)
http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-vpalb0112604544mar31,0,3264065.story
Specifically, Albany did nothing to reform schools, one of the two biggest spending items. And in health care, the other, leaders missed the opportunity to use the federal stimulus money to create an adequate cushion for Medicaid reforms.
The spending has exposed Silver, whose vast majority in the Assembly makes him unaccountable at the ballot box, as a big-budgeter friend of public-employee unions. The speaker took advantage of Smith's inexperience and Paterson's ineptitude. He has truly established himself as the King of New York.
Long Island's two Democratic senators, Craig Johnson of Port Washington and Brian Foley of Blue Point, have an opportunity here to be the real leaders by halting this budget. In their chamber, one vote does mean something, and they should use theirs to stand up for responsible government. Voters will hold them accountable for their decisions on this fraudulent plan.
Some of the spending increases are beyond unconscion-able, given the state of the economy. Examples include:
Member items, at a cost of $170 million, serve as payoffs politicians use to boost their popularity. The money will go to many groups that have nothing to do with social-service spending, where Paterson says it's aimed: the Greater Long Island Running Club, the Pat-Med Youth Football and Cheerleading Club, the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum.
New taxes on vehicles, just as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board has voted to jack up bus and train fares by at least 25 percent and cut services. This budget imposes motor vehicle registration fee hikes, surcharges on auto insurance policies and increases in driver's license fees.
Regressive increases on utilities ($557 million), health-maintenance organizations ($107 million) and health insurance companies ($5 million). These will be passed along to consumers - regardless of their ability to pay - in higher utility bills and costlier health care.
These white-collar criminals are RAISING our state budget by 8% in a severe recessionary period which hasn't bottomed out! Sheldon Silver needs to be dragged from his home and beaten with a billyclub. The residents on Long Island are incensed over this political thuggery exhibited by these professional crooks.
http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-vpalb0112604544mar31,0,3264065.story
Specifically, Albany did nothing to reform schools, one of the two biggest spending items. And in health care, the other, leaders missed the opportunity to use the federal stimulus money to create an adequate cushion for Medicaid reforms.
The spending has exposed Silver, whose vast majority in the Assembly makes him unaccountable at the ballot box, as a big-budgeter friend of public-employee unions. The speaker took advantage of Smith's inexperience and Paterson's ineptitude. He has truly established himself as the King of New York.
Long Island's two Democratic senators, Craig Johnson of Port Washington and Brian Foley of Blue Point, have an opportunity here to be the real leaders by halting this budget. In their chamber, one vote does mean something, and they should use theirs to stand up for responsible government. Voters will hold them accountable for their decisions on this fraudulent plan.
Some of the spending increases are beyond unconscion-able, given the state of the economy. Examples include:
Member items, at a cost of $170 million, serve as payoffs politicians use to boost their popularity. The money will go to many groups that have nothing to do with social-service spending, where Paterson says it's aimed: the Greater Long Island Running Club, the Pat-Med Youth Football and Cheerleading Club, the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum.
New taxes on vehicles, just as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board has voted to jack up bus and train fares by at least 25 percent and cut services. This budget imposes motor vehicle registration fee hikes, surcharges on auto insurance policies and increases in driver's license fees.
Regressive increases on utilities ($557 million), health-maintenance organizations ($107 million) and health insurance companies ($5 million). These will be passed along to consumers - regardless of their ability to pay - in higher utility bills and costlier health care.
These white-collar criminals are RAISING our state budget by 8% in a severe recessionary period which hasn't bottomed out! Sheldon Silver needs to be dragged from his home and beaten with a billyclub. The residents on Long Island are incensed over this political thuggery exhibited by these professional crooks.