Townsend: Gov’s Plan Shortchanges Upstate Families

Assemblyman David Townsend (R,WF-Sylvan Beach) responded to the news that Governor David Paterson intends to eliminate $3 billion from the state budget this year with steep cuts in local-assistance programs, despite persistent unemployment and stunted economic recovery for most of Upstate New York.

“Governor Paterson’s overdue plan to reduce a massive budget gap is a day late and a dollar short,” said Townsend. “Rather than focusing on wasteful state-government spending and uncollected sales taxes on cigarettes sold on Indian reservations, the DRP instead targets families and localities hit hard by the national recession. With 18,300 more jobs lost in September, the road to economic recovery will be long and difficult for New Yorkers, especially those of us living and working outside New York City. But Governor Paterson’s scheme would continue to tax and borrow on the backs of hard-working families, making them less safe and less healthy in the bargain. In addition, school aid would be scaled back, gutting districts in Oneida and Oswego counties and ramping up pressure on local officials to raise already sky-high property taxes. The reckless cuts to education and health-care services, while protecting the interests of his New York City constituents, threaten Upstate families and businesses during these difficult economic times.”

LATEST NEWS HEADLINES

ALSO IN THE NEWS

District, Chamber Partner on Professional Development Workshop for Teachers, Businesses

(Rome, NY) The Rome school district and the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce’s Professional Development Committee are partnering to bring noted author and professional developer Jay Rifenbary to Rome Free Academy on March 19 for a scheduled Superintendent’s Conference Day. Teachers from across the district and area business leaders will hear Rifenbary discuss ways everyone [...]

Townsend: Gov’s Plan Shortchanges Upstate Families

M3P Media LLC © 2009