FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TODAY: MARCH 31, 2009
Contact: Suzanne Redmond (315) 255-3045

Statement by Assemblyman Gary D. Finch (R,C,I – Springport)

FINCH: POOR BUDGET PROCESS LEADS TO COSTLY BUDGET

Budget crafted by downstate leaders is rife with spending and tax increases

     Raising taxes, cutting health care, killing any and all reform that we have created over the past couple of years; this is not a budget that will provide much-needed tax relief to middle-class families. In a time when residents and businesses are already struggling, I feel that the budget, with $7 billion in new tax and fee increases and an increase in spending of ten percent over last year, will have dire consequences for New York. It was negotiated in a secretive manner and the needs of upstate were completely ignored. Now we will see massive tax increases to combat years of overspending.

      Poor leadership by the three Democrat leaders has shut out the voices of millions.  The small reforms that slowly made their way into the budget process have been completely eliminated.  We cannot expect to dig New York out of recession this way and billions will flow downstate as a result of a budget crafted by three men from New York City. High taxes will only further destroy the economic infrastructure that has been built up over the years.  We should be working to stimulate business to provide a foundation for New York over the long haul, not throw a band-aid on a gushing wound. 

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