The author is a New York state assemblyman and Republican leader pro tem. He represents the 113th Assembly District.
In the recent past, we’ve worked closely with Gov. Andrew Cuomo to right-size the budget and to limit built-in systemic growth factors that caused previous budgets to balloon unsustainably. We’ve passed two on-time budgets that closed looming deficits without new taxes or fees. These were important accomplishments that were welcomed by taxpayers, especially as New York was emerging from years of dysfunction.
I’ve been reviewing Cuomo’s proposed 2013-14 Executive Budget closely, and while there are some positive aspects, things are not as rosy as the governor would like the public to believe. I am concerned about the growing use of the budget as a political tool. There is an alarming increase in the use of member item-like discretionary spending by the governor, a tongue in cheek promise that the budget wasn’t balanced on ‘new’ taxes and a continued effort to consolidate more power into the executive branch.
When I was first elected as assemblyman, Albany was accustomed to using pork barrel spending, which when abused was used for incumbency protection at the detriment of taxpayers. It cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars over the years. Successfully eliminating this costly, discretionary spending was among my early accomplishments and I think taxpayers would agree that this was the right move.
Yet, in the governor’s budget, we have already identified nearly $1.3 billion in pork over which the governor has complete control. While the governor may have good uses for this spending, I believe that taxpayers have the right to know exactly how and where their hard-earned dollars are being spent. Unilateral control over how taxpayer dollars are spent has led to abuse in the past, lack of transparency, and should not be tolerated.
We must also offer the utmost honesty regarding the budget’s spending and its revenue sources, especially when it comes to taxes. It seems that being technically accurate has replaced genuine honesty. A number of taxes were set to expire this year, taxes that the Executive Budget Proposal reinstates. These aren’t little, negligible assessments here or there, they amount to millions of dollars.
For example, a utility surcharge, also known as the 18-a assessment, if renewed will cost taxpayers $255 million in the first fiscal year. Not only is this tax regressive, harming lower-income households, it is poised to hinder economic growth. Again, these aren’t new taxes per se, but they are set to expire and should be allowed to do so to offer relief to taxpayers.
Falling back on disingenuous technicalities gives a free pass to Albany to continue to strangle struggling households and small business owners. We should instead be honest about every aspect of this budget from spending to revenue, and use our collective resources and creativity to generate a better plan that continues to lower taxes and spending while supporting economic growth.
Finally, I would like to mention that some of New York’s greatest successes came from the give and take between the governor, the Assembly, the Senate and input from the public. Whether we are addressing the budget, radical changes to state laws or any other action taken in Albany that affects New York families and small businesses, we must do so openly to maintain the confidence of all New Yorkers.
I encourage Gov. Cuomo to fully disclose the process for which items like casino siting will be decided. There must be more than just a handful of individuals making the decisions behind closed doors. The media, the public and the legislature should know what the governor’s intentions are on these important matters. We are eager and willing to work with the governor, which would enable us to develop common sense solutions for every challenge faced by our state.
Assemblyman Jordan welcomes comments and input on the budget or any other state issue. Share your ideas by calling him at 747-7098 or emailing him at [email protected].