By Joyce Kryszak
Albany, NY – Governor Eliot Spitzer's proposed $120.6 state budget is getting some initial kudos from those who will have to approve it.
Spitzer called his first proposed budget a complete paradigm shift. His plan would cut spending growth, increase municipal and school aid and bring tax relief to New Yorkers. It would also revamp medicaid and provide health care to more than one million uninsured, all without raising taxes. Spitzer presented his reform-based plan to lawmakers in Albany Wednesday.
Spitzer frequently used phrases such as "no blank checks," "game over" and "scrap the entire system." Buffalo Public Schools were singled out as needing both money and accountability. Spitzer proposes an extra $48.6 million for the district. But he says school leaders would also be rated and possibly removed if they fail to meet benchmarks.
Distressed cities, especially upstate, would also get a boost in municipal aid. Buffalo would get another $57 million over four years. And homeowners would get extra property tax relief. The average middle income Erie County homeowner would see their STAR tax credit roughly double.
Amherst Republican Assemblyman Jim Hayes likes what he heard. Hayes says the budget still must pass the gauntlet of the Legislature. But he supports the Governor's plan to cut spending through reforms.
Other hurdles include the deficit, a larger proposed state workforce, and major reforms outlined for health care that would consolidate hospitals, while changing the formula for Medicaid re-imbursements.