Latimer, Oppenheimer Explain Votes on NY Budget

Using an infusion of $6.2 billion in federal stimulus money, the 2009/2010 state budget will increase spending by $9 billion. An array of higher taxes on health insurance, utilities, fishing licenses, car rentals, wine, beer and soda pop, combined with $4 billion in higher income taxes, add up to a $7-8 billion tax increase.

State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, who voted for the entire package of spending and tax increases, told the paper: “There are parts of the budget that would not be of my choosing, but I support the positive actions that were included.”

There were nine separate budget votes in the State Assembly. Assemblyman George Latimer voted for the sections on public safety, education and the judiciary, but against the major tax increases.

The budget has been severely criticized by fiscal watchdog groups. In a statement April 1, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli (D) said: “The danger is that New York could wind up right where we started, with huge budget gaps and unsustainable spending.”

Assemblyman Latimer concurred. “I think the Comptroller is right. We will probably be back in session in a few months because incoming tax revenues may be inadequate.” Further, Latimer said that New York, by relying on federal stimulus money to close its budget gap, will face a major shortfall in two years when the federal program ends.

Asked if, because of Westchester’s proximity to Connecticut, the budget might actually encourage businesses and people to move to Fairfield County, Latimer remarked, “Regrettably, there is a presumption among some in Albany that wealthier residents will stay. That’s not necessarily the case.”

State Senator Oppenheimer praised parts of the budget for the “restoration of education aid that was more helpful to Westchester. In addition, we were able to keep the STAR exemption program intact.” Oppenheimer said she worked to prevent cuts to Valhalla Medical Center; and that she sought “mandate relief and paperwork reduction to lower costs for schools,” but such measures were not included in the final budget.

The state budget did eliminate the STAR rebate program, canceling about $1.7 billion in rebate checks to homeowners.

– Peter Jovanovich