Record tax and spend budget passes on party line vote

The budget passed on a party line vote today in the New York State Senate. The vote was 32-30. Even though Long Islanders pay some of the highest taxes in the nation, Long Island Senators, Craig Johnson and Brian Foley voted in favor of the massive tax and spend budget.

When asked about his plan to raise taxes during a recession, the Governor replied, "Does it (the budget) make sense. The answer is no, none of this makes sense". Toward the close of budget negotiations in March, the Governor stated, "If the legislature can maintain this type of discipline over the next few years, then we can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel,".

"With economic conditions worsening by the day and no region of the State immune to the pain of economic challenges not seen since the Great Depression, we made the tough choices these difficult times demand,".  "This budget is far from ideal, but neither was the dire state of the economy that confronts us. What we now have, however, is a road map for long-term economic growth and sustainable recovery to bring New York back into fiscal solvency,". Senate Majority Leader, Malcolm Smith.

February 6, 2009

Non Partisan CBO: Stimulus bill harmful over long haul

Under legislation proposed by Nassau County Assessor Harvey Levinson, taxpayers will face an up hill battle to challenge their residential property assessment. The legislation was introduced in the New York Assembly this past June by Assembly member Charles Lavine (D-Glen Cove). While the Assembly bill was introduced at the end of the state legislative session, it may move forward when the legislature reconvenes in January. Click here to see a review of the proposed legislation.