“The day of reckoning is here.”
That”™s what Gov. David Paterson said last week in a speech concerning the state”™s fiscal morass.
Actually, the day of reckoning was back in April when Paterson signed off on the state budget. Full of gimmicks and one-shot revenue sources, not to mention member items, the 2009-10 budget should never have seen the light of day.
Since then, mounting losses in state revenue have pushed the state closer to the brink of insolvency.
In just a few short days, a number of substantial bills will be coming due for public schools, municipalities, the school property tax relief program and Medicaid.
“This is a lack-of-cash crisis that threatens the credibility of our state,” Paterson said in his webcast. “Unless we act, New York will run out of money even after we delay payments to schools and local governments. This is an unprecedented fiscal emergency.”
He expressed his displeasure with lawmakers.
“For the past seven weeks I have been compelling the Legislature to face this crisis. So far, certain legislators are either unable to admit that there is a fiscal crisis or unwilling to do anything about it.”
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It”™s sad that the very same lawmakers who have no problem getting their pay from hardworking taxpayers fail to represent their interests.
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Ladies and gentlemen, let us remind you of a core principle of being an elected official: you work for us.
Lack of backbone does not relinquish you of your sworn duties.
No more overspending; no more borrowing; and above all, no more tax and fee increases.
Paterson said that if the lawmakers fail to make the necessary cuts, he”™ll make them.
“If the Legislature is unwilling to do what needs to be done, I will. If the Legislature is unwilling to endure the criticism and the consequences, I will.”
His means of achieving the cuts come from what Paterson dubbed the Executive Option Proposal.
The plan would allow him one-time authority to balance the budget, which in turn would preserve the state”™s credit rating and keep New York in a delicate state of financial buoyancy.
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In what can only be described as condescension, Paterson said at the end of his speech: “Make the tough decisions as parents who are struggling to pay bills have learned that the toughest time to make these choices is the holiday season. With so many parents not working sometimes it comes down to a choice of toys for Christmas or money for rent. Everybody knows what the right choice is, as difficult and painful as it is, responsible parents pay the rent.”
But, the governor is correct.
Do what”™s right.
