A promise kept is always welcome, but in a state where dysfunction in Albany has become the status quo it”™s a breath of fresh air, say local business owners and nonprofit CEOs.
The following is a sampling of comments received from across the Hudson Valley on New York”™s $132.5-billion on-time budget, which closes a $10 billion deficit without raising taxes:
“I am encouraged to see a budget passed on time ”“ no new taxes and one that spends less. It is a very important step in the right direction but if it is not followed up quickly with a property tax cap and mandate relief for school districts and local government we will lose all that was gained in the state budget with higher local property taxes.” ”“ Edward Arace, managing partner, Arace & Company Consulting L.L.C., Warwick
“It”™s a scary budget for arts organizations like ours. It will affect all support we get directly from the New York State Council on the Arts; even more damaging is how it will affect the work we do in the region”™s schools.
“At one time, we brought more than 30,000 kids into the Bardavon and UPAC (Kingston) to see extraordinary performances tied into their curriculum in a variety of ways. That number has been cut in half because schools have no money for busing. We are struggling to fill that gap, but it”™s an uphill battle.
“This budget could reduce the number of students we impact by another 50 percent. It”™s terrible for the schools, the students and the teachers to take away the meaningful learning opportunities we supply.” ”“ Chris Silva, executive director, Bardavon 1869 Opera House, Poughkeepsie
“The governor has set New York on the right track. His willingness to work across party lines and fight for regulatory and tax relief for small businesses is promising. New York won”™t be ”˜business friendly”™ with the adoption of a single budget, but by making the difficult choices the governor and Legislature have taken a first and necessary step.” ”“ Dave Livshin, president and CEO, The Dagar Group Ltd., Fishkill
“Any organization”™s budget is a reflection of its priorities and its responsibilities. This is especially true for New York state. The passage of this year”™s budget may well prove to be a turning point for residents and businesses alike as we strive for fiscal soundness.
This budget seems well thought out, sufficiently negotiated and fairly proportioned. With no new taxes and fees imposed on residents, it appears we are now on the right path to fiscal recovery.
“Both the Assembly and Senate passed budget bills which included the state”™s brand new economic development power program, Recharge New York. The high cost of energy is a huge competitive disadvantage for manufacturers. Recharge New York will present hard-working manufacturers and businesses with vast new opportunities.” ”“ Harold King, executive vice president, Council of Industry, Newburgh
“I think Cuomo did a masterful job. I was on the Medicaid task force, so I support the effort for improving coordination of care for chronic disease. More than 25 hospitals have closed since 2005 ”“ nobody should be immune from a ”˜fresh look”™ at legacy pensions and retiree health coverage.” ”“ Allan Atzrott, president and CEO, St. Luke”™s-Cornwall Hospital, Newburgh
“The governor has done a great job leading New York state to enact an on-time budget while doing it without tax increases or borrowing gimmicks. The governor and the Legislature have instead finally gotten serious about limiting spending in this state.
That”™s something small businesses such as FALA Technologies have to do every day. We have to make tough choices. I do not understand why the public sector thinks they do not. ”¦
“The next step is to limit the size and growth in government and provide for real relief from skyrocketing property taxes.” ”“ Frank Falatyn, president and CEO, FALA Technologies, Kingston
“Gov. Cuomo has taken a giant step forward in getting our expenses under control and balancing the budget. He has taken the smart approach in taking several smaller bites at the apple. He has chosen a path that will not destroy anyone in a single pass. We must continue our strong support of his actions as he progresses with this operation without killing the patient.” ”“ James Taylor, president and CEO, Taylor Biomass L.L.C., Montgomery
“I think everybody understands that something needs to be done concerning the state budget process ”“ people in health care and people in industry certainly understand that. Over the last three years, Saint Francis had an annual reduction of at least $1.3 million, and I”™ve thought of that as disproportionate to what other services and other industries and sectors were receiving.
“This year”™s reduction in Medicaid funding will cost Saint Francis Hospital a little over half-a-million dollars ”“ so far. While that reduction is more manageable, it”™s hard for any organization to continue to provide the same level of services year to year without any additional reimbursement for the provision. Expenses go up, salaries go up, the costs of all of our supplies go up. It”™s getting more and more difficult.” ”“ Bob Savage, president and CEO, St. Francis Hospital, Poughkeepsie
